Wednesday, July 07, 2021

Based on forecasts from the National Weather Service, tropical weather conditions are expected to affect the UNCW area tonight (July 7) and last through most of the day on Thursday (July 8). Possible impacts for the UNCW area include heavy rain with isolated urban flooding, rip currents along area beaches, and wind gusts close to tropical storm strength. 

Currently, circumstances do not warrant a change to UNCW’s operational schedule. While significant weather impacts are not expected, employees should refer to the Adverse Weather Policy (PDF), make the decision best for their circumstances and notify their supervisors accordingly.  

Employees who are working on campus today (July 7) are advised to power down computers and other appropriate electrical equipment when leaving campus at the end of the day. Equipment may be powered back on when business hours resume. If you are storing files locally on your computer, consider moving them to OneDrive for Business for remote accessibility. Contact TAC for assistance if needed.  

If conditions change, the university will send updates to faculty, staff and students. Please continue to monitor your campus email, the  UNCW homepage, and UNCW social media feeds (Facebook and Twitter). Pay close attention to your campus inbox (subject lines with “Weather” or “Alert” merit special attention) and Facebook as they are the sources of information that will likely be updated first in the case of developments. Monitor the National Weather Service and local media outlets for current information about storm conditions.

Classes, Campus Dining, MarineQuest

The storm will not affect summer session courses. Online accelerated program (OAP) courses will continue as scheduled. Students living on campus should check Campus Dining for hours of operation July 7-8.  

At this time, MarineQuest camps will remain on schedule. If conditions warrant a change, the information will be shared on the MarineQuest website. 

Increased Risk of Rip Currents, Tornadoes 

National Weather Service forecasts indicate an increased risk of rip currents along the beaches near UNCW’s main campus. Avoid entering the ocean in affected areas until the threat has passed. Please visit the NWS rip current risk site for more information.  

Tropical weather conditions may increase the risk of tornadoes in the UNCW area. In the event of a tornado warning, the university will activate the UNCWAlert emergency notification system, which includes voice and text messages. During a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. Move to an interior hallway or a room on the lowest floor of the building, avoid windows and take shelter beneath a desk or heavy furniture. Wait for an all-clear message from UNCW. Updates will be shared when available. All students and employees should keep cell phones charged and powered on for the duration of the storm.  

Resources  

https://www.weather.gov/ilm 

National Hurricane Center