Updated 11/10/2022 7 a.m.
Dear Eckerd Community,
Tropical Storm Nicole made landfall in southeast Florida at 3 a.m. In Pinellas County, the strongest wind gusts and rain will occur over the next few hours. Lighter rain and wind will continue throughout the day as the storm continues to move northwest across the state. The campus will be open, and at this time the College expects operations will remain normal.
All employees and commuter students are urged to use caution. Any person whose travel route or personal situation would make it difficult to get to campus for class or work due to localized weather conditions, closures, road conditions or other circumstances should remain at home. Staff should inform their supervisors of their plans.
Faculty will contact their students if there will be any changes in course delivery for today. Faculty who are unable to travel to campus will advise students on how they plan to cover today’s class material. Students should watch their emails for any changes.
Eckerd College’s Emergency Management Executive Team will continue to monitor the weather. Stay informed by checking eckerd.edu/tropical.
Updated 11/9/2022 4:30 p.m.
Dear Eckerd Community,
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Pinellas County will experience the strongest impacts from Tropical Storm Nicole beginning later this evening into tomorrow morning. Meteorologists expect intermittent strong wind gusts and some rain.
All students, faculty and staff should remember to charge their electronics (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, portable chargers and mobile hotspots) in the event of a power outage. (Most residence halls have back-up generators.) We advise that all community members avoid the roadways this evening and overnight.
Academic operations
The campus will be open, and at this time the College expects operations will remain normal. Classes will continue as usual, in person. Professors will contact their students if there will be any changes in course delivery for Thursday.
Employees
Employees should contact their supervisors if closures, road conditions or other circumstances may prevent them from reporting to campus. Personal or vacation time may be taken with supervisor approval. The Business Office will provide supervisors guidance on how to code those hours on leave reports and timesheets, as needed.
Students
Wind and rain could create dangerous ground conditions on campus including downed power lines and localized flooding. Students should refrain from venturing outside to explore during the night hours on Wednesday and the morning on Thursday. Students should not be out swimming, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding or surfing as this system passes through the area. The Pub will close at 10 p.m.
Eckerd College’s Emergency Management Executive Team will continue to monitor the storm. Stay informed by checking eckerd.edu/tropical.
Updated 11/9/2022 9:15 a.m.
Dear Eckerd Community,
Pinellas County is under a Tropical Storm Warning for Tropical Storm Nicole, a system expected to make landfall on the east coast of Florida this evening. The winds will strengthen throughout the day with stronger winds and 2–4 inches of rain expected overnight into Thursday morning. Meteorologists predict Nicole will dissipate as it crosses the peninsula.
The College does not close residence halls for tropical storm conditions. College operations remain normal at this time.
Staff supervisors, please be flexible with your employees who may need to work from home if they are facing hazardous driving conditions. The Sunshine Skyway bridge may close due to high winds. Monitor bridge closures here: fl511.com.
Faculty will receive a message from the Dean of Faculty. Students will receive information from their professors about any changes to their classes.
Eckerd College’s Emergency Management Team is keeping a close watch on these developments. We will send updates if College operations are expected to change. Stay informed by checking eckerd.edu/tropical.
Posted 11/8/2022
The Eckerd College Emergency Management Team is monitoring National Weather Service forecasts for Tropical Storm Nicole. College operations remain normal. The College does not close the residence halls for tropical storm conditions.
High wind and rain events have the potential to create power outages throughout the region. Most student residence halls have back-up generators. Faculty and staff are reminded to keep their electronics charged. Stay informed by checking eckerd.edu/tropical
