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Hurricanes

Severe Weather

The beaches of southeastern North Carolina add to the region’s beauty, but our coastal location requires us to be on alert during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. 

UNCW has faced numerous hurricanes and tropical storms since its founding, and our emergency and safety teams are well prepared for the possibility of tropical weather. 

See current Info from The National Hurricane Center

Storm Monitoring

UNCW closely monitors storm activity year-round. If necessary, campus administrators and safety personnel coordinate with the National Weather Service and state and county emergency management agencies to determine when to issue updates to the campus community. 

If conditions cause a change in operating status or the need to close campus, we will send UNCW Alert notifications to all students as well as faculty, staff, parents and community members who have signed up for the service.

  Learn More About UNCW Alert Notifications

Be Prepared

The university encourages students, faculty and staff to be storm ready. It’s a good idea to pack a hurricane kit including water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights and other essentials in case power is out for a few days.  

If you live on campus, the Housing and Residence Life staff will provide you guidance about voluntary and mandatory evacuations, shelter-in-place protocols, and other information about storm preparations. 

The links below will connect you to federal, state and local resources where you can find tips on preparing for a hurricane and other severe weather. 

See Additional Preparedness Information

Be aware of evacuation routes, as well as alternate routes in case traffic is diverted. If an evacuation order is issued, UNCW will provide students, faculty and staff enough notice to safely arrive at their destination.  

For information on tropical systems and changes to campus operations, see the definitions below. If the weather prompts a change in class schedules or campus operations, UNCW Alert will notify students, who are enrolled automatically, as well as all faculty and staff members, parents and community members who signed up for notifications. 

More Information for Students and Employees 

Tropical Weather Terminology

Tropical Weather Terminology
Tropical Depression Tropical cyclone in which the  maximum sustained surface wind speed is less than 38 mph.
Tropical Storm Tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is between 39 and 73 mph.
Tropical Storm Watch An announcement that tropical storm force winds (39 mph-73 mph) may pose a threat to an area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning A warning that tropical storm force winds (39 mph-73 mph) may pose a threat to an area within 24 hours.
Hurricane Tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is above 74 mph.
Hurricane Watch An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher and associated hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher and associated hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Storm Surge An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm.

Operating Status and Response Actions

Operating Status and Response Actions
Classes Canceled Period of time when classes will not take place at UNCW.
University Closed No business operations will occur on campus. No UNCW faculty, staff or students will be allowed on campus unless designated as emergency personnel. 
Adverse Weather Policy See HR Adverse Weather Policy for details.
Shelter in Place Resident students will be allowed to remain on campus instead of evacuating, however, students will not be allowed to leave the residence halls.
Voluntary Evacuation Students are encouraged to leave campus for a safer location but are not required to do so. Some on-campus services or activities may be limited.
Mandatory Evacuation An evacuation order in which students are required to leave campus for a safer location.  All residence halls will be locked and all entrances to campus blocked.
University Open Accesses to campus will open to traffic, UNCW students, faculty, and staff. Business operations and education processes will resume where possible. However, classes may or may not resume at this time and residence halls may or may not remain closed. UNCW reserves the right to partially open the university for business operations and continue the cancellation of classes if necessary. This will be specified in public announcements.
 
Additional Information

Students living on campus should contact their RC/RA.

Off-campus students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students.


Faculty/Staff should contact their supervisors.
Additional storm-related definitions
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