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Officials Monitoring Hurricane Michael

Severe weather policy not expected to be activated

Alert

Update: Oct. 12: 2018: 7:45 a.m.

Traffic Lights Out

  • Trent Dr. & Erwin Road 
  • Buchanan & Main St. (restored)                   
  • Main St. & Campus Dr. (restored)                      
  • Main St. & Ninth St. (restored)               
  • Science Drive & Hwy 751
  • Erwin Road & Hwy 751
  • Science Drive &751
  • Anderson Road & Duke University Road
  • Main St. &15th St. 
  • Light Poles out on Anderson Avenue (Yearby & Campus Drive)
  • Light Poles out on Alexander (Bynum to Erwin Road)
  • Light Poles out on Oregon St. (Bynum to Yancy)

Road Blocks (fallen tree)

  • Buchanan & Gloria to Trinity Avenue (coned and taped off)
  • Epworth (no road blockage)
  • Wannamaker Drive / Traffic Circle (removed)
  • Englewood & Acadia St

Update: Oct. 12, 2018: 6:20 a.m.

Power on campus remains intact except for isolated areas on Central Campus, but several areas around campus lost power Thursday afternoon.

High wind gusts between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday also led to a number of downed trees, branches and debris around campus. Crews are working to clear trees and branches this morning. All campus and medical center roads are open and clear, and buses are running on a normal schedule.

Duke Energy crews are working to restore power to areas around campus, including Erwin Square, Oregon Street, and 300 Swift Avenue. Traffic lights were also still out this morning at Highway 751 and Science Drive, Erwin Road and Trent Drive, and Duke University Road. Individuals are urged to use caution when driving to and around campus this morning.

Update: Oct. 11, 2018: 10:20 a.m.

Duke officials continue to monitor forecasts and have taken precautions as rain and winds from Tropical Storm Michael affect central North Carolina today. At this time, officials do not expect to activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy or cancel classes for today. 

The latest projections indicate that the main bands of rain will start in the Raleigh-Durham area between 10 to 11 a.m. and will last until about midnight. Sustained winds are expected to be between 15-25 mph with gusts of 30-40 mph possible. Overall rain totals are expected to be between 2 to 4 inches. 

Isolated flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas may occur. The rain combined with higher winds Thursday and Thursday night could result in a few downed trees, especially ones that were weakened during Hurricane Florence.

There remains a small chance of isolated tornados across central North Carolina, especially along a line from Charlotte to Raleigh to Roanoke Rapids. A tornado watch has been issued for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties until 9 p.m. A watch means conditions could lead to the development of a tornado, and individuals should stay alert. 

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.

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)

Duke’s Facilities Management Department will coordinate with Duke Energy on any power outages for Duke-owned or leased buildings. Building managers in leased buildings should also notify the building landlord. 

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

Original Post:

Duke officials are monitoring forecasts related to the path of Hurricane Michael, which is expected to make landfall in the Florida panhandle Wednesday and then work its way as a tropical storm across the southeast.

At this time, Duke officials do not expect to activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy, and classes are expected to continue as scheduled.

Rain from the storm is expected to begin in central North Carolina Wednesday evening and continue through early morning Friday. Rain will likely be heavy at times with total precipitation projected to be between 4 to 6 inches.

Heavy downpours could result in flooding of low-lying, urban and poor drainage areas or flash-flooding. If localized flooding occurs, individuals should report the incident to Facilities Management (campus) at 919-684-2122 or Engineering & Operations (Duke Hospital/Medical Center) at 919-684-3232.

The rain combined with higher winds Thursday and Thursday night could result in a few downed trees, especially ones that were weakened during Hurricane Florence. Downed trees on campus should be reported to Duke Police at 919-684-2444.

This story will be updated as conditions change or circumstances warrant. Duke community members can also follow Working@Duke on Twitter for operational updates.