Bracing for Impact of Tropical Storm Debby

Rains, winds bring risk of downed trees on campus

alert

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 parking 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.