Officials Monitoring Hurricane Idalia’s Impact

Flash flooding could occur in low-lying areas

Update: 9:30 a.m., Aug. 31, 2023

In Durham:

  • The storm is quickly exiting the area this morning.
  • Rain is coming to an end in central NC and skies should clear through the day.
  • Peak winds remain at 15-20 mph with 25 mph gusts this morning and will lessen though the afternoon.
  • No damage to campus has been reported.

At the Duke University Marine Lab:

  • Peak rains have ended.
  • Winds will diminish later this afternoon.
  • Damage assessments are ongoing, though nothing has been reported so far.

Update: 3 p.m., Aug. 30, 2023

Idalia is moving northeast toward the Carolina Coast, where the Duke University Marine Lab is monitoring conditions, taking precautions and making preparations in advance of storm impacts expected on Thursday morning.

In Durham, crews are taking precautions, which include water mitigation steps around residence halls and having tree contractors at the ready.


Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are the main threats associated with Hurricane Idalia in central North Carolina through mid-day Thursday. The storm is expected to have moderate impacts across portions of central North Carolina. Sustained winds of 15-30 mph are expected with gusts up to 35 mph for much of central North Carolina. Rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected in the Triangle area overnight and into Thursday, with localized areas of flash flooding possible. During high winds, please avoid being under trees due to potential falling limbs or trees.

Original Post:

Duke officials are monitoring forecasts related to the path of Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall on Florida's Big Bend coast early Wednesday morning as a Category 3 storm. It's expected to move northeast over far eastern Georgia and coastal South Carolina through Wednesday night.

The storm will continue moving east into the Atlantic Thursday morning and is expected to have moderate impacts across portions of central North Carolina during this period. Sustained winds of 15-30 mph are expected with gusts up to 40 mph for much of central North Carolina. Rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected in the Triangle area.

Further south and east, rain and winds are expected to be stronger. There is currently a tropical storm watch issued for the coastal area, which includes the Duke Marine Lab.

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.

Heavy downpours could result in flooding of low-lying, urban and poor drainage areas or flash-flooding. 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)

This story will be updated as conditions change or circumstances warrant.