Friday, August 26, 2011

11:45 a.m. EST, Friday, Aug. 26, 2011 UPDATE:

The following are updates to the information posted below, which is still in effect for the UNCW campus:

¦ Please be aware of frequent flooding locations on campus such as Wagoner Drive near Kenan Auditorium, the intersection of Reynolds and Cahill drives, Parking Lots H and I, as well as Seahawk Landing and the Suites Service Loop. Move cars away from parking lots in these areas.
¦ For those who live in Carolina Beach, the Snow's Cut Bridge will likely close at 5 p.m.
¦ University operations will remain open until 5 p.m. but services may end earlier to allow all staff to leave promptly at 5, at the discretion of supervisors. Again, the Adverse Weather Policy is in effect for employees who have concerns. http://uncw.edu/policies/documents/08.216.pdf


As of 8 a.m. EST on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, weather reports from the National Weather Service indicate that Hurricane Irene has shifted back slightly to the east, with landfall projected near Cape Lookout, N.C. UNCW is continuing its voluntary evacuation beginning at noon TODAY.

Classes and all campus events are cancelled beginning at noon today; the library will be closed at noon and will remain closed until further notice. A campus curfew will be in effect at 10 p.m. tonight, unless conditions change. Students still on campus are advised to stay in their residence halls as a safety precaution. Some flooding is anticipated on campus and students should avoid any flooded areas. Students living on local beaches are urged to comply with the recommendations of New Hanover County Emergency Management to evacuate.

For employees, the work day will end at 5 p.m. today. However, the Adverse Weather Policy is in effect for faculty and staff who may feel unsafe traveling: http://uncw.edu/policies/documents/08.216.pdf. As a precautionary measure, the UNCW Emergency Operations Center will open at 6 p.m. today and will remain in operation for the duration of the storm.

The Wilmington area remains under a hurricane warning. Current forecasts include 60-70 MPH winds at local beaches and 40-45 MPH sustained winds in the area. Heavy rainfall is expected between midnight tonight and 6 a.m. Saturday morning, with accumulation of 6-9 inches. Strong rip currents are anticipated throughout the weekend, so persons are strongly advised to stay out of the water.

UNCW will continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Irene. For updates, monitor the UNCW homepage, the UNCW Alert website, the Emergency Information Hotline at 910.962.3991 or 888.657.5751, and local media.

Students, faculty and staff are urged to develop personal hurricane plans. More information on hurricane preparation and safety is available at http://www.uncw.edu/ba/safety/hurricanes.html and http://appserv02.uncw.edu/news/artview.aspx?id=3210