PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (Romero Report) — Following a week of closely monitoring the weather and consulting with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this morning, Patrick County High School officials say they have decided to move the graduation ceremony indoors.

The ceremony will now be held in the gymnasium at 7 p.m.

While acknowledging that the change may be disappointing and may not accommodate everyone’s wishes, officials stressed the importance of prioritizing safety.

Due to limited space, only guests with gold and green tickets will be allowed in the gym for the ceremony, according to the high school.

To ensure more family members and friends can still partake in this special event, each senior has been provided with two additional orange tickets.

Guests with these orange tickets will be able to watch the ceremony via a Facebook livestream from the auditorium.

“We regret having to make this change but appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved,” officials wrote in a letter to school families. “Thank you for your flexibility and support during this time.”