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Officials Monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa

Greatest impacts expected to be heavy rain and wind gusts

Tropical Storm Elsa

Duke officials continue to monitor forecasts and have taken precautions as rain and winds from Tropical Storm Elsa as it makes its way across the state today. At this time, officials do not expect to activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy or cancel classes for today.

In central North Carolina, storm total rainfall of 1-3 inches, with up to 5 inches possible. Primary impacts will be heavy rain, gusty winds between 25-30 mph with an isolated risk of a tornado, mainly east of US Highway 1.  A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for central North Carolina until 6 p.m. Thursday.

If a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, and individuals should seek immediate shelter in the lowest level of a building in an interior room or hallway without windows.

Heavy downpours could result in flooding of low-lying, urban and poor drainage areas or flash-flooding. The rain combined with higher winds could also result in a few downed trees. During the storm, Duke Police and facilities crews will be prepared to respond as needed. Below are contact numbers for reporting issues:

Flooding:

  • Campus:  919-684-2122 (Facilities Management) 
  • Duke Hospital/Medical Center:  919-684-3232 (Engineering & Operations)

Downed trees/power lines:

  • 919-684-2444 (Duke Police)

Power outage:

  • 919-684-2122 (Facilities Management)

During heavy rains and winds, individuals should remain indoors to avoid the possibility of falling limbs and trees or flying debris.

Additional updates and information will be posted on this website and on the Working@Duke Twitter account.