Severe Weather Expected Sunday Afternoon, Evening

TO:  Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM:  Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President of Administration, Emergency Coordinator
RE:  Severe Weather Expected Sunday Afternoon, Evening

A severe weather system is expected to affected central North Carolina Sunday afternoon and evening bringing damaging straight-line winds, large hail, torrential downpours that may cause localized flooding, and possibly an isolated tornado.

The severe weather threat appears greatest between 7 p.m. and midnight, though an isolated strong to severe storm may occur as early as 3 p.m.

A host of events and activities are planned on Duke’s main campus as part of Reunion Weekend. Officials have taken precautions around planned outdoor activities for this afternoon and evening.

Should conditions escalate to include a tornado watch or warning, additional communications will be issued. In the event of a tornado “watch,” the National Weather Service suggests that people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and watch for later statements and possible warnings.

In the event of a tornado “warning,” which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff. If the warning area includes Duke's main campus, the outdoor sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.

For more information about what to do during a tornado, visit the DukeALERT website.