[Update: Wednesday, March 5, 1 p.m.]
The tornado watch for Durham and surrounding counties has expired.
[Update: Wednesday, March 5, 7:50 a.m.]
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for most of central North Carolina until 1 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. Members of the Duke community who have not registered for text messaging can find instructions on the Duke Emergency Management website.
During a tornado watch, the weather service suggests that people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more information about Duke's emergency response plan for tornados, visit the Duke Emergency Management website.
[Original Post: Tuesday, March 4, 5 p.m.]
The National Weather Service has indicated an enhanced risk of severe storms Wednesday with the potential for damaging straight line winds and isolated tornadoes. The main period of risk for central North Carolina will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
With the potential for severe weather the DukeALERT test originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 5 was rescheduled to March 19. If there is a siren on campus tomorrow, it will most likely indicate a tornado warning, indicating members of the campus community should seek shelter immediately:
- Shelter in the lowest building level, in interior rooms, or in hallways with interior walls. Avoid windows and doors.
- Stairwells, bathrooms, and closets may be good locations in which to shelter.
These storms will be capable of generating heavy rainfall over a short period of time, up to 1-inch or more. The primary threats with these storms will be damaging wind gusts, some greater than 60 mph at times.
Heavy downpours could result in flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas or flash-flooding. The rain combined with higher winds could also result in a few downed trees. During heavy rains and winds, individuals should remain indoors to avoid the possibility of falling limbs and trees or flying debris.
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.
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.
For more information about Duke's emergency response plan for tornadoes, visit the Duke Emergency Management website.
