Update September 13, 2018, 5:30 p.m.
Based on current forecasts of Hurricane Florence, the University of Lynchburg will operate on a normal schedule Friday, September 14.
Students are encouraged to download and read an FAQ, developed at the request of the Student Government Association, about hurricanes and what to do if a power outage occurs. Download it by clicking here.
The following email was sent to the campus community this afternoon:
The University of Lynchburg’s Crisis Management Team members continue to monitor Hurricane Florence and all forecasts associated with the storm. Based on the most recent and accurate forecasts, we will continue to operate on a normal schedule Friday, September 14.
Fortunately, Florence has already weakened to a category 2 hurricane, and forecasts predict fewer than six inches of rain for most of Virginia, including our area. Strong winds are expected to arrive in the Lynchburg area late Thursday night or early Friday morning, but gusts will likely be 20 to 35 miles per hour or less.
We have reviewed forecasts that say the storm could enter our area Monday or Tuesday, but those forecasts also indicate that the storm will weaken significantly by then. Even if we receive more rain and stronger winds than predicted, we are well prepared to keep students safe on campus.
As with any weather event that includes high winds, parts of the Lynchburg area, including our campus, could experience power outages. At the request of the Student Government Association, we have prepared a document to answer common questions about hurricanes and power outages. You will find that document attached to this email. Please download it now.
For those who would like to learn more about Hurricane Florence and its forecasts, the National Hurricane Center is a reliable source. Visit its web page at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ graphics_at1.shtml?cone#contents
Also, see the City of Lynchburg’s most recent press release about Hurricane Florence: http://www.lynchburgva.gov/ news/city-officials-encourage- residents-remain-vigilant
Update September 12, 2018, 4:30 p.m.
Weather forecasts continue to predict no severe weather for the Lynchburg region. Classes will be held as normally scheduled Thursday, September 13.
The following message was sent by email to students, faculty, and staff:
The University of Lynchburg will continue to operate on a normal schedule on Thursday, September 13. Hurricane Florence is predicted to take a southward path. Our area is expected to receive only a few inches of rain over the next several days.
We acknowledge that the path of the storm could change. Even if our area receives more wind and rain than anticipated, we are prepared to ensure student safety here on campus and advise students not to travel unnecessarily.
Students who live off campus, if the storm is impacting your area in a way that prevents you from being able to travel safely to campus, please contact your professors. Faculty members are being instructed to accommodate students in these situations.
We continue to be mindful of the many people who will still be affected by the storm’s path and hope that your family members are safe.
As always, future updates will be shared via email, www.lynchburg.edu, and social media. Updates requiring immediate attention will be shared on the LiveSafe app, too.
This message was sent to parents of students:
We are fortunate that Hurricane Florence forecasts do not predict severe weather for our campus at this time. The latest information indicates that our area should receive only a few inches of rain over the next several days. The University will operate on a normal schedule on Thursday, September 13. It does not appear that a cancellation will be necessary on Friday, but a final decision will be made on Thursday.
We continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to ensure student safety on campus if there is a change in the storm’s path. We continue to advise our students to avoid unnecessary travel.
We continue to be mindful of the many people who will still be affected by the storm’s path and hope that you and your family are safe.
Update September 12, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – Improved forecast for Lynchburg
The latest weather forecasts indicate that the Lynchburg area should receive only a few inches of rain over the weekend. Classes will continue to meet as scheduled Wednesday. Further updates will be shared throughout the day.
The following email was sent to students, faculty, and staff at 8 a.m. Wednesday. A similar message was sent to parents of students.
Overnight, the forecast for Hurricane Florence changed. The National Hurricane Center now predicts a more southern path for the storm. This change means the Lynchburg area may receive only a few inches of rain over the weekend, and the probability for strong winds has decreased.
We continue to monitor data about the storm and we are prepared even if we receive more severe weather than what is predicted. We will be in contact with you later today as more information becomes available. Updates will be shared by email, on www.lynchburg.edu, and the campus weather line at 434-544-7669. Updates requiring action will be shared on the LiveSafe app for iOS and Android.
Although we are grateful that the storm is less likely to impact us directly, we are mindful of the many people in the Carolinas who will be affected. We ask that our community members keep those in the storm’s path in their thoughts and prayers.
Update September 11, 2018, 6 p.m. – Normal schedule Wednesday
The University will operate on a normal schedule on Wednesday, September 12. The following email was sent to students, faculty, and staff:
The University of Lynchburg will open and operate on a normal schedule on Wednesday. University officials continue to monitor forecasts related to Hurricane Florence, and we are communicating with public safety officials regarding our preparations for severe weather. Decisions about our operating schedule later in the week will be announced on Wednesday.
The safety of our students is our top priority as we make these decisions We can best ensure student safety while students are on campus, which is not in an evacuation zone. At this time, staff members from all around campus are working together to make sure we can meet students’ needs and keep them safe during the storm.
Update: September 11, 2018, 10:35 a.m. – Parents and Family weekend canceled
The University of Lynchburg is canceling Parents and Family Weekend activities in anticipation of severe weather associated with Hurricane Florence. Campus officials continue to monitor the unfolding weather situation in collaboration with local public safety officials. Class schedules and athletics schedules have not been altered at this time.
This morning, emails were sent to the campus community as well as parents of current students. Please see the email messages below.
To campus community members:
After reviewing the latest forecasts of the impact Hurricane Florence could have on our region, the University is canceling Parents and Family Weekend and all associated activities. Please share this news with guests you knew were planning to travel to Lynchburg for the event.
No classes or athletic events have been canceled at this time. Changes to class schedules will be announced at www.lynchburg.edu, on the LiveSafe app, and the campus weather line (434-544-7669) each day. Visit www.lynchburgsports.com for the latest updates on athletics schedules.
Also, the City of Lynchburg plans to close part of Lakeside Drive on Wednesday, September 12, so the drain pipe can be cleared of debris ahead of the storm. The city will continue allowing access to our front campus entrance, but we ask that campus community members follow appropriate detours and not enter the area that is closed.
The Crisis Management Team will continue to meet as needed throughout the week.
Please review the safety recommendations shared yesterday:
- Download the LiveSafe app for iOS or Android to ensure you receive the latest emergency information from the University. If you do not have a compatible device, you can sign up to receive text messages from LiveSafe here.
- Be aware that some roads in the area could flood. Do not drive onto a flooded roadway. Observe traffic detours and obey the instructions of public safety personnel.
- Do not use the trails near College Lake during the storm.
- If you are in a ground-level or basement office, move office equipment and belongings off of the floor this week so they will be protected if your building experiences some flooding.
To parents of students:
After reviewing the latest forecasts regarding Hurricane Florence, the University is canceling Parents and Family Weekend and all associated activities. We will certainly miss seeing so many students’ families this weekend, but it is important that we focus on maintaining safety here on campus and limit unnecessary travel.
The University continues to monitor the unfolding weather situation and make preparations for the safety and comfort of students. We are working closely with public safety officials in all decisions. Please encourage your student to read and be aware of safety information that has been sent via email.
For the latest updates and news, please see www.lynchburg.edu, the University’s social media pages, and the LiveSafe app for iOS or Android. We will be in touch by email as the situation develops.
