Friday, September 15, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington has revised its policy regarding class cancellation and campus closure in the event of a hurricane.

The university has a three-phase plan corresponding to issuance of a hurricane watch, a hurricane warning and a mandatory evacuation. The policy change is reflected in Phase Two which occurs when a hurricane warning is issued for Wilmington by the National Weather Service. University officials will evaluate the weather situation. After reviewing criteria such as the size and strength of the storm, how quickly the storm is moving and amount of daylight remaining prior to a mandatory evacuation, the university may cancel classes and issue a voluntary evacuation for students. Faculty and staff will continue to report to work, and the campus will remain accessible until a mandatory evacuation is ordered. Hurricane warnings are typically issued 24 to 36 hours before 40 mph winds arrive on shore.

UNCW will continue to order a mandatory evacuation of the campus when New Hanover County officials close the beaches as part of Phase Three of its policy. Phase One of the policy is initiated following the announcement of a hurricane watch by the National Weather Service. During this stage, students, faculty and staff should be on alert and monitor the university's Hurricane Hotline at 910/962-3991 or 888/657-5751 or local media sources for the latest information