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Weather Update and Preparations
TO: Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM: Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President for Administration, Emergency Coordinator
RE: Weather Update and Preparations
Duke officials continue to monitor forecasts and have taken precautions as rain and winds from Tropical Storm Michael affect central North Carolina today. At this time, officials do not expect to activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy or cancel classes for today.
The latest projections indicate that the main bands of rain will start in the Raleigh-Durham area between 10 to 11 a.m. and will last until about midnight. Sustained winds are expected to be between 15-25 mph with gusts of 30-40 mph possible. Overall rain totals are expected to be between 2 to 4 inches.
Isolated flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas may occur. The rain combined with higher winds Thursday and Thursday night could result in a few downed trees, especially ones that were weakened during Hurricane Florence.
There remains a small chance of isolated tornados across central North Carolina, especially along a line from Charlotte to Raleigh to Roanoke Rapids. A tornado watch has been issued for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties until 9 p.m. A watch means conditions could lead to the development of a tornado, and individuals should stay alert. If a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, and individuals should seek immediate shelter in the lowest level of a building in an interior room or hallway without windows.
During the storm, Duke Police and facilities crews will be prepared to respond as needed. Below are contact numbers for reporting issues:
Flooding:
- Campus: 919-684-2122 (Facilities Management)
- Duke Hospital/Medical Center: 919-684-3232 (Engineering & Operations)
Downed trees/power lines:
- 919-684-2444 (Duke Police)
Power outage:
- 919-684-2122 (Facilities Management)
Duke’s Facilities Management Department will coordinate with Duke Energy on any power outages for Duke-owned or leased buildings. Building managers in leased buildings should also notify the building landlord.
During heavy rains and winds, individuals should remain indoors to avoid the possibility of falling limbs and trees or flying debris.
Additional updates and information will be posted on the Duke Today website and on the Working@Duke Twitter account. Thank you.