University Updates Regarding Hurricane Florence

The Rotunda lit up by lights at dusk

With Hurricane Florence projected to impact the southeastern United States in the coming days, the University of Virginia is taking the necessary steps – in coordination with city, county and state partners – to prepare for what could be a very serious situation.

The University’s Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue to monitor the situation and additional updates about the storm and preparations will be shared here with the University community. Additionally, sign up for UVA Alerts to receive notifications by text.

Any changes to the University’s academic operating schedule will be posted on the Operations Status Board. Changes related to the UVA Health System will be posted on the Health System Status Board.

 

Community Advisory No. 3 From Patrick D. Hogan and Gloria S. Graham (Sept. 12)

Hurricane Florence: Update for UVA Parents (Sept. 11) 

Community Advisory No. 2 From Patrick D. Hogan and Gloria S. Graham (Sept. 11)

Virginia Alters Weekend Athletics Events Due to Hurricane Florence (Sept. 11)

Community Advisory From Patrick D. Hogan (Sept. 10) 
 

Community Advisory No. 3 - Hurricane Florence

Sept. 12, 2018. Patrick D. Hogan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Gloria S. Graham, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, sent the following message. 

Members of the University Community,

Throughout the past 48 hours we have been in direct contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center.  As of 11:30 a.m., the NWS confirmed that a  significant change in the track of Hurricane Florence occurred overnight, shifting the storm’s path to the west and south. As a result, the predicted impact on the central Virginia region has changed. While we can still expect rainfall and wind bands from the storm, the amount of rain expected has decreased significantly as has the anticipated level of wind in our area. We will remain in contact with the NWS and our regional and state emergency management partners throughout the storm, ready to respond and support our community in the event it is needed.

At this time, we have determined that there is not a need to alter the University’s regular operating schedule and that classes will be held this week as scheduled. Changes to the Athletics schedule that were announced yesterday will remain in place. We will continue to monitor the storm carefully and, if necessary, will communicate any changes via email to all students and employees with an @virginia.edu address, on social media channels (Twitter: @UVA and @UVASafety and Facebook), on the University’s hotlines (434-924-7669 and 434-243-7669), and on the Operations Status Board. All official communications related to this storm are posted on a dedicated web page on UVA Today.

Although Hurricane Florence may no longer pose a severe threat to the Charlottesville area, please use this as an opportunity to review your readiness plans for emergencies and as a reminder of the importance of situational awareness. If you have not already subscribed to UVA Alerts, take a moment to do so now. UVA Alerts is used to send text and email messages to notify students, faculty, staff, and Health System team members of an imminent threat from a hazard. It is an important element of our emergency communications and we strongly encourage you to sign up.

Our thoughts are with our neighbors to the south, as well as our students whose hometowns are located in those areas, as they brace for the impact of Hurricane Florence. Resources from our area may be called upon to provide support in the Carolinas in the coming days as they recover from the storm. We will do whatever we can to assist.

Sincerely,

Patrick D. Hogan
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Gloria S. Graham
Associate Vice President for Safety and Security

 

Hurricane Florence: Update for UVA Parents 

Sept. 11, 2018. Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer sent the following message to parents. 

Dear Parents,

Even if you live somewhere beyond the East Coast of the United States, you likely have heard about the impending approach of Hurricane Florence. Units across the University are actively engaged in preparing for this powerful storm. I am writing to tell you about those preparations and to let you know how you can receive updates in the coming days.

Although the course of the storm remains unpredictable, it is expected to make landfall sometime Thursday in North Carolina and subsequently bring heavy rain and flooding to a broad area, including central Virginia. Flooding could pose serious problems due to the heavy rainfall we already have received this year. Widespread loss of power is another major concern, although many areas of the University are equipped with generators. We are currently finalizing plans to ensure that students have access to food, water, and other basic necessities, such as showers. Our plans will take into account not only students living on Grounds but also the many students who live off Grounds.

Please encourage your student to take the same steps being asked of everyone to prepare. They should ensure:

  • Electronic devices are charged. 
  • Important medications will not run out.
  • Bottled water and nonperishable food are on hand.
  • Flashlights or other battery-operated devices have fresh batteries.
  • Cash is on hand in case ATMs are not operating.
  • Any outdoor furniture or objects that might become mobile in high winds are brought inside (primarily for students living off Grounds).

The FEMA website includes additional tips and helpful information on hurricane preparation.

As we continue to track the storm, we will adjust operations as needed. A decision regarding Thursday and Friday classes will be made Wednesday afternoon. Although we are not suggesting that students leave the area, we anticipate some will be considering this option. If your student does decide to leave, we hope they will place personal safety at the top of their priority list. Please urge them to base any travel decisions on the current weather and road conditions and to allow plenty of time to arrive at their destination.

Safety will be important during and after the storm. Please help us reinforce basic measures, especially if your daughter or son has not experienced a hurricane before. We will be asking students to stay inside during the storm, and afterward, not to venture out to play in mud or standing water. From past experience, we know that students may think the period after a hurricane is a fun time to gather outside, but this poses a number of risks, including injury. If driving, it is critically important not to drive through standing water or flooded areas. 

All information sent to the University community will be posted on a dedicated Hurricane Florence website. Please bookmark and check this page for updates. In addition, you may want to follow the University’s social media accounts, Twitter: @UVA and @UVASafety, and Facebook. For cancellations of events and other changes, students should check the Operations Status Board.

Additionally, please encourage your student to sign up for UVA Alerts if they are not already registered. These text and email messages notify University recipients of an imminent threat from a hazard. Students can sign up parents.

We are doing everything possible to prepare for a worst-case scenario with this serious storm. The safety of students is foremost in our plans, and we are grateful for your help in reinforcing basic safety measures. Most likely, I will not be sending you any further communications about the storm, but instead ask that you refer to the above resources to ensure you are receiving the most current information going to the entire University community. Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

 

Community Advisory No. 2 - Hurricane Florence

Sept. 11, 2018. Patrick D. Hogan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Gloria S. Graham, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security, sent the following message. 

Members of the University Community,

Hurricane Florence continues to threaten the southeastern United States and is anticipated to make landfall in the Carolinas between late Thursday evening and early Friday morning. The University continues to closely monitor the storm and is working with our federal, state and regional emergency management partners. Though Charlottesville is not in an evacuation zone, we are diligently preparing for the storm’s impact on our area.

Preliminary forecasts indicate that Central Virginia will see significant rainfall and high winds beginning Thursday. This will likely be a sustained weather event over a period of several days with the possibility of flooding and downed power lines and trees. It is important that you take steps now to make sure you have what you need in the event of significant weather disruptions. A hurricane checklist is available on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website and we encourage you to review this important information. Among the simplest ways that you can prepare is to keep your phone charged.

The University is taking steps to make sure resources are in place to help support our community and to respond to any emergency. Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life, UVA Dining, and the Provost’s Office are developing contingency plans for students if we lose power on Grounds. In the event of power disruptions, students are advised to return to their residences and shelter in place. Students in residence halls will be kept informed by their resident advisors. 

The track and intensity of the hurricane are subject to change over the next 24 hours. We will continue to carefully monitor the forecast and will make a decision regarding any changes to the University’s academic and events schedule by 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. Decisions about some events will be announced earlier. As a reminder, changes in the operating schedule will be communicated to the University community via email to students and employees with an @virginia.edu address, shared on social media channels (Twitter: @UVA and @UVASafety and Facebook), and recorded on the University hotlines (434-924-7669 and 434-243-7669). Please also check the Operations Status Board for the latest information regarding any event delays or cancellations. A dedicated web page with official communications related to this storm is available on UVA Today.

Your personal safety and well-being remain our top priority. We will provide additional information and updates about preparedness efforts over the next several days so that you can take steps necessary to prepare and protect yourself. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we are counting on your partnership.

Sincerely,

Patrick D. Hogan
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Gloria S. Graham
Associate Vice President for Safety and Security
 

Virginia Alters Weekend Athletics Events Due to Hurricane Florence

Sept. 11, 2018. The University of Virginia Athletics Department issued the following information regarding athletic events. 

The Virginia athletics department announced today (Sept. 11) changes to athletics contests scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 15 and possibly Sunday, Sept. 16 due to the forecast of severe weather throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The changes were also made to provide emergency personnel with the ability to focus on the needs of the region's citizens throughout the weekend.
 
A day-by-day list of changes to the event schedule is below.  
 
Friday, Sept. 14
The men's and women's cross country team's Virginia/Panorama Farms Invitational has been cancelled.
 
The men's soccer game against Notre Dame has been postponed and will be rescheduled later this season. Ticket information for this game is listed below. 
 
The field hockey game at North Carolina and women's soccer game at Virginia Tech are also postponed and make up dates will be announced in the near future. 
 
The volleyball team's match at VCU in Richmond against VCU is scheduled to take place at this time. 
 
Saturday, Sept. 15
The home football game versus Ohio, scheduled to take place at Scott Stadium, has been relocated to Vanderbilt Stadium on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Kickoff for the game will be at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. in Nashville). The game's radio broadcast will air on the Virginia Sports Radio Network. Television broadcast plans for the game are still being developed by the ACC and ESPN.
 
"Our top priority is the safety of everyone involved and I appreciate the understanding of our fans," said Virginia athletics director Carla Williams."We're extremely grateful to Vanderbilt University and vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletics director David Williams for graciously supporting our efforts. We look forward to returning to Scott Stadium for the Louisville game on Sept. 22."
 
The volleyball team's matches against South Carolina and Toledo at the VCU Invitational in Richmond are scheduled to take place at this time. 
 
The women's golf team will compete in the Mary Fossum Invitational in East Lansing, Mich. on Saturday and Sunday. 
 
Sunday, Sept. 16
A decision regarding the field hockey's game at Liberty on Sunday has not been made at this time.
 
Football vs. Ohio Ticket Information
Refund information will be posted online at VirginiaSports.com/tickets and sent by email to fans who purchased tickets to the game through the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office. Virginia Athletics will not offer refunds for tickets purchased through secondary sources. 
 
Admission to the game at Vanderbilt Stadium will be free. Vanderbilt University has a clear bag policy which will be in effect for the game. 
 
Men's Soccer vs. Notre Dame Ticket Information
Fans with tickets to the Sept. 14 men's soccer game should retain their ticket to be used for the rescheduled game.  Fans may also: (a) exchange their ticket in advance for a General Admission ticket to any other regular season game by calling the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 542-8821 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm., or (b) bring their ticket to the gate for General Admission seating at any remaining regular season home game, subject to seat availability at the time of arrival or (c) exchange their ticket for a General Admission ticket to a Virginia women's soccer, women's basketball, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and / or baseball game within the calendar year based on availability. This exchange can happen through the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office in advance or at the ticket window of that facility on game day.

 

Community Message From Patrick D. Hogan

Sept. 10, 2018.  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick D. Hogan sent the following message. 

Members of the University Community,

As you know, Hurricane Florence is projected to impact the southeastern United States in the coming days. While it is still too early to know the course of the storm, we are taking necessary steps now, in coordination with our city, county, and state partners, to prepare for what could be a very serious situation. Flooding and strong winds, in particular, could pose severe problems for our area.

I urge each of you to plan for any personal needs over the next several days should power outages or other major problems arise. This includes keeping your electronic devices charged, ensuring you do not run out of important medications, and having an adequate supply of water and nonperishable food on hand. Please visit the FEMA website for additional information and resources.

The University’s Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue to monitor the situation, and additional updates about the storm and our preparations will be shared with the University community. As usual, any changes to the University’s academic operating schedule will be posted on the Operations Status Board. Changes related to the Health System will be posted on the Health System Status Board.

Sincerely,

Patrick D. Hogan
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Media Contact

Anthony P. de Bruyn

Office of University Communications