Bracing for Impact of Tropical Storm Debby

Rains, winds bring risk of downed trees on campus

alert

[Update: Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:45 p.m.]

The tornado watch has been extended for Durham and Wake counties until 7 a.m. Friday. A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. 

In the event of a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke officials will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff.  If the warning area includes Duke's main campus, the sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.

[Update: Thursday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m.]

A tornado watch has been issued for Durham and Wake counties until 8 p.m. A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. 

In the event of a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke officials will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff.  If the warning area includes Duke's main campus, the sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.

[Update: Thursday, Aug. 8, 11:10 a.m.]

A downed tree on Campus Drive near The Duke Graduate School building is currently blocking through traffic. No injuries have been reported, but traffic should avoid the area for the next hour or two as crews respond to remove the tree from the roadway.

[Update: Thursday, Aug. 8, 10:15 a.m.]

Tropical Storm Debby has moved inland into northern South Carolina and will begin to accelerate northward throughout the day today. The storm will weaken into a tropical depression tonight and will continue to generate heavy rainfall across North Carolina today, which may lead to flash flooding throughout the evening before conditions improve.

  • Due to rain and wind, there have been a few minor building leaks, downed tree, and a few localized power outages on campus.
  • Heavy rain is ongoing across much of central North Carolina with the threat of tornadoes primarily east of US-1 through late morning.
  • The heaviest rainfall is ongoing and will continue through tonight with an additional 3-4 inches before conditions begin to improve.
  • Showers are expected to become more scattered in nature late tonight into Friday before significantly diminishing Friday afternoon and evening.
  • Due to the storm’s farther west motion, the threat of tornadoes increased, though the threat remains primarily to the east of campus through mid-to-late morning before the threat moves northward into Virginia.
  • Wet soil and gusty winds may lead to downed trees, causing property damage and/or power outages.
  • The risk of major flooding for Durham, NC is not expected to be significant.

Report any flooding, downed or leaning trees, property damage or power outages immediately to the appropriate maintenance unit:

[Update: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 5:00 p.m.]

The primary threat from Tropical Storm Debby will be prolonged heavy rain that will likely result in numerous to widespread flash flooding beginning as early as late Wednesday through Friday.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph could lead to scattered power outages and downed trees, mainly late Thursday and into early Friday, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor.

It is not uncommon for tornado warnings to be issued as strong cells emerge and dissipate with the passing of the storm. In the event of a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately.

Due to weather conditions, the Duke Farmers Market has been canceled for Thursday.

Use caution when driving during stormy conditions. Medical Center parking garages (PG1 and PG2) will be available to all current permit holders beginning 3 p.m. Thursday through 9 a.m. Friday.

[Update: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m.]

Tropical Storm Debby has strengthened slightly as it moved offshore and is moving slowly northeastward. The storm is expected to slowly turn towards the north and then accelerate through North Carolina late Thursday into Friday morning. Heavy rainfall and flooding are still the primary threats.

  • The primary threat to Duke's main campus will be flooding due to heavy rainfall.
  • Rain is expected to begin early Tuesday afternoon and continue through Friday afternoon and evening.
  • The heaviest rain is expected Wednesday night through late Friday morning, where 3-5 inches of rainfall could occur.
  • Storm total rainfall of 5-7 inches can be expected, which coupled with recent rainfall will likely lead to areas of flooding, especially in low-lying areas near creeks, streams, and rivers.
  • Flash flooding is particularly likely on Thursday as the peak rainfall rates are expected to impact the area.
  • Northeasterly to easterly winds at around 10-15 mph with gusts as high as 20-25 mph are possible through Thursday, shifting to southeasterly on Friday. Isolated gusts to 30 mph are also possible.
  • Wet soils and gusty winds may lead to downed trees, causing property damage and/or power outages.

Report any flooding, downed or leaning trees, property damage or power outages immediately to the appropriate maintenance unit:

[Original Post: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.]

Duke officials are closely monitoring the latest forecasts for Tropical Storm Debby as it makes it way toward North Carolina with the possibility for heavy rain, strong winds and flooding later this week.

Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida on Monday and later became a tropical storm as it crossed over Florida. The storm is expected to move slowly across the southeastern U.S. through the week and bring moderate to heavy amounts of rain that will likely result in flash flooding. Rainfall in some areas of the Triangle may exceed 10 inches through Friday night.

With over-saturated grounds and increased winds, we can expect downed trees to become an increased risk on campus.

Crews on campus have helped prepare the campus to weather the storm, but we also ask each department to also take the following precautionary steps:

  • Close and secure all windows in buildings,
  • Remove or secure any outdoor furniture or loose outdoor items,
  • Report any flooding, downed or leaning trees, property damage or power outages immediately to the appropriate maintenance unit:

During the storm, individuals are asked to remain indoors to avoid falling trees and limbs or downed electrical lines. Any potential safety-related issues, such as blocked roads or downed power lines, should be reported to the Duke University Police Department (919-684-2444).

All Medical Center garages on Duke’s main campus, as well as the Bryan Center Garage and the Science Drive Garage, will be open and available for all current parking permit holders beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday through 3 p.m. Saturday. Employees are encouraged to park in the garages to avoid the risk of downed trees in parking lots.

In addition, Duke Van Services will discontinue service at midnight on Thursday and Friday.

Officials have taken precautions around planned outdoor activities for the remainder of the week, and any operational adjustments will be communicated in advance. Individuals are encouraged to monitor Duke Today as conditions change.

Given the possibility of severe weather conditions, employees should review Duke's severe weather and emergency conditions policy to ensure they understand what to do if the policy is activated.

During times of severe weather, some staff positions require on-site presence to continue operations. To ensure continuous operations of patient care, student support and research functions, managers should assign all jobs to one of three service categories:

  • Essential Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, essential service staff report or remain at work. 
  • Reserve Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, reserve service staff are assigned a status at the time of the event.
  • Delayed Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, delayed service staff do not report to or remain at work.

If the severe weather policy is activated, the announcement will be made through the various DukeALERT channels, including email, text message, and Duke's emergency website. A message also will be recorded on the severe weather/emergency conditions telephone line at 919-684-INFO (4636).

Visit Duke Today for updates on the storm.