Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties will close public schools early this week and cancel all athletic events during that time to prepare for Tropical Storm Ian.

Hillsborough County public schools will be closed Monday through Thursday. Pasco and Pinellas County public schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Practices and games also are canceled for fall sports, which include bowling, cross country, football, golf, swimming and volleyball, on the days schools are closed (Pinellas also is canceling practices on Monday).

There has been no decision regarding football games, which are scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Pinellas County and Friday in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. The games count toward district standings and will need to be rescheduled if they are canceled this week.