Thursday, August 25, 2011

As of 5:39 p.m. EST on Thursday, August 25, 2011, weather reports from the National Weather Service indicate that Hurricane Irene has shifted slightly to the west, with landfall projected near Emerald Isle, N.C. In response, the university has decided to implement a voluntary evacuation beginning at noon on Friday, August 26.

This means that classes are cancelled beginning at noon; the library will be closed at noon and will reopen on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Adverse Weather Policy is in effect for faculty and staff who may feel unsafe traveling: http://uncw.edu/policies/documents/08.216.pdf.

The Wilmington area is now under a hurricane warning. Irene has changed in track to the west and the hurricane is projected to pass offshore of the Wilmington area. Current forecasts include hurricane force winds at local beaches and tropical force winds on the UNCW campus More than eight inches of rain is anticipated Friday evening and through Saturday. Strong rip currents are anticipated throughout the weekend, so persons are strongly advised to stay out of the water.

UNCW continues to monitor the track of Hurricane Irene. Senior leadership will meet again early Friday morning to determine any additional decisions and/or action steps that may be warranted. An update will be provided to the campus community around 8 a.m.

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