Saturday, April 16, 2011

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch until 9 p.m. this evening for several southeastern North Carolina counties, including New Hanover. This means conditions are favorable for tornado development.With the potential severe weather, the NWS has issued a significant risk for straight line winds and caution should be taken while outside. Showers and thunderstorms are likely with a steady south wind of around 24 mph, with higher wind gusts as high as 70 mph.

Monitor weather conditions, cancel any outdoor activities and be prepared to take shelter in the event that the watch is upgraded to a tornado warning. In that event, the siren will sound on campus meaning to take shelter immediately.

For updates, monitor the UNCW homepage, www.uncw.edu/alert, the Emergency Information Hotline at 910.962.3991 or 888.657.5751 and local media.