The latest information and details for the University community about campus emergencies and other incidents.

Severe Weather Advisory –

Tuesday, January 09, 2024 (10:00 A.M. EST)

Note: The safety of the NC Wesleyan University community is our highest priority. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to make decisions based on their own personal safety.

WEATHER STATUS

Current weather forecasts indicate that rain will continue into the evening. It is possible that between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., a very strong line of thunderstorms will pass through our area, producing heavy rains and strong winds. We are currently under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. The chance of small isolated tornadoes is possible with this type of weather system.

The threat is elevated to a level 3, thirty miles to our south. This places those areas at an enhanced risk status.

The biggest concern for our area is wind gusts up to 50 mph. If you see or hear a rapid rise in the wind, seek shelter in the lowest portion of any sturdy structure and remain away from windows and doors. A shelter location guide is on the rear door of all residence hall rooms. Flooding is not anticipated in eastern NC.

UNIVERSITY STATUS

North Carolina Wesleyan University will CLOSE at 3 PM today. For safety precautions, take a moment to be sure you have completed the following:

• Make sure we have your proper contact information.
• Our campus buildings are sturdy structures. Should high winds come our way, follow the instructions of staff and move to the center of hallways, well away from any glass. If you are on the third floor, move to a lower floor.
• If we have significant rainfall, trees could fall because of the ground being soaked, as well as from high winds. Stay indoors for protection— flying debris, falling limbs, trees, or downed power lines create significant risk.
• If we have power loss, we will be working with Dominion Energy and the City of Rocky Mount to restore power as soon as possible. CANDLES ARE PROHIBITED IN ANY CAMPUS BUILDING. Flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or electronic devices may be used instead. If the power goes out, emergency lights at exits and stairwells will operate due to our emergency generator in all main buildings and residence halls. At the Quad (Boddie, Jin, Bradley & Taylor Halls), emergency lighting is on battery backup. Therefore, lighting in these buildings will stay on for a short period of time (approximately 15-90 minutes) but will eventually go out. In this case, we will have battery lanterns to place in halls and stairwells.
• If you have to go out in a vehicle, NEVER drive through a flooded road, Turn Around- Don’t Drown^®.
• One of the most dangerous aspects of these types of storms is their ability to spin up small, quickly forming, weak tornadoes without warning. If you hear a loud roar of wind or see debris in the air, seek immediate shelter in a low area of a structure and remain away from windows and doors. Areas for severe weather sheltering are marked throughout campus with green lettering on white signs.

FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s emergency response team, led by Director of Safety Wayne Sears, is continuing to closely monitor and assess the impact Tropical Storm Idalia may have on the University. Weather updates and/or changes to this current plan will be communicated through Blackboard alerts, email, and social media. Recorded updates can also be obtained by calling 252.985.5463.

Note: The safety of the NC Wesleyan University community is our highest priority.