Updated January 9, 2024 at 11:58 a.m.
Dear Eckerd Community,
Severe weather is expected to begin after 2 p.m. and will continue throughout the evening. The severe weather may cause localized flooding, falling debris, downed trees and other hazards on campus and in the region. In an abundance of caution, classes and business operations will end and offices will close at 1:30 p.m. today.
Please make sure to leave enough time to safely commute to your home. We expect to resume business as usual tomorrow morning.
Students
- Do not drive on flooded roads.
- Students are encouraged to stay inside. If you must walk across campus, please be cautious.
- Many residence halls have back-up generators, but it is best practice to keep your electronics charged.
- Dining Services: Lunch services at the Main Cafe, Triton’s Pub and Starbucks will close at 2 p.m. The Main Cafe will reopen for dinner service from 5 – 8 p.m.
Employees
- The Sunshine Skyway Bridge may close due to high winds. Monitor bridge closures here: fl511.com
- Starting at 1:30 p.m. today, hourly employees should report hours on timesheets as Inclement Weather.
In addition, the National Weather Service may issue a tornado watch for the immediate area surrounding Eckerd College.
- Make plans to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued for the immediate area.
- When taking shelter, go immediately to bathrooms or other areas in the central core of a building and stay away from windows.
- Do not leave your location; continue sheltering until the storm passes and an all-clear message is issued.
Please continue to monitor local radio stations and TV stations for more information.
January 8, 2024 5:19 p.m.
Dear Eckerd Community,
The National Weather Service predicts a potent low pressure system to sweep across the Eastern United States over the next 36-48 hours. They predict potential high winds, heavy rains, isolated tornadoes and dangerous marine conditions that may create power outages and flooding throughout the region. Severe storm impacts will begin after lunch on Tuesday and continue into the evening.
Currently, College operations remain normal. The Emergency Management Executive Team continues to monitor the weather. Please remember to be careful as you traverse campus, keep your phone charged to receive tornado watches and warnings and prepare to take shelter in an interior room with no windows should a tornado warning be issued.
Students
- Do not drive on flooded roads.
- Many residence halls have back-up generators, but it is best practice to keep your electronics charged.
- Do not go outside if a tornado warning is issued via text alert.
- Move indoors or remain indoors – moving to the first floor, interior portion of the building.
- Stay away from glass windows and exterior doors.
Employees
- 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/.
- If you are unable to work on Tuesday for storm-related reasons, the time should be reported on your timesheet or leave report as vacation or personal leave.
Stay informed by checking local weather reports. Any additional communications will be sent out through the emergency notification system.
