{ "id": "2018-09-10-unc-chapel-hill-hurricane-florence", "slug": "unc-chapel-hill-hurricane-florence-2018-09-10", "institution": { "name": "University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill", "shortName": "UNC", "state": "NC", "type": "public-r1", "alertSystemName": "Alert Carolina", "alertPlatform": "Rave Mobile Safety", "enrollment": 30000 }, "incident": { "date": "2018-09-10", "endDate": "2018-09-16", "type": "hurricane", "cleryCategory": "emergency-notification", "resolution": "confirmed-threat", "headline": "Campus becomes a state-designated shelter for storm evacuees during suspended operations", "headlinePublic": "Campus becomes a state-designated shelter for storm evacuees during suspended operations", "summary": "On Monday, September 10, 2018, [UNC Chapel Hill's Alert Carolina system issued an informational message](https://www.unc.edu/posts/2018/09/10/informational-message-from-alert-carolina-on-preparations-and-precautions-for-hurricane-florence/) on preparations and precautions for Hurricane Florence, at the time a Category 4 hurricane forecast to make landfall on the North Carolina coast. The university moved to Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) at 5:00 PM EDT Tuesday, September 11, and then to [Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) at 5:00 PM EDT Wednesday, September 12](https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536709863000277507964/). Classes were cancelled beginning at 5:00 PM EDT Tuesday through Friday. At Governor Roy Cooper's request, [UNC operated a state 'mega shelter' on the Chapel Hill campus](https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/unc-operate-mega-shelter-hurricane-florence) to house evacuees from coastal communities.", "outcome": "UNC Chapel Hill suspended normal operations from 5 PM EDT Wednesday September 12 through 5 PM EDT Sunday September 16. Residence halls remained open for students unable to travel. At the request of Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Emergency Management, UNC opened a state 'mega shelter' on campus to receive evacuees from coastal counties. Chancellor Carol Folt issued a follow-up message after Hurricane Florence noting that the university had cared for displaced residents while its own students sheltered. The football game against ECU at Kenan Stadium was postponed. Florence ultimately produced approximately 36 inches of rainfall in some North Carolina locations.", "casualties": { "killed": 0, "injured": 0 } }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "initial", "timestampApprox": "Approximately 12:00 PM EDT on Monday, September 10, 2018", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "The National Weather Service predicts that North Carolina may feel the effects of Hurricane Florence in the coming days. The impacts on specific areas within North Carolina, including the Triangle area, remain uncertain.\n\nUniversity officials are closely monitoring reports from emergency management agencies and state officials and taking precautions to keep the campus community safe and well-informed about changes in weather conditions that may impact the local area.\n\nThere are no current changes to campus operations. However, if conditions change, look for announcements on www.unc.edu, alertcarolina.unc.edu, and through other communications including email and text messages. If you have not registered your cell phone to receive text messages about emergencies from the University, go to alertcarolina.unc.edu and click on “Register” in the banner. You can also download LiveSafe, the University’s emergency safety app. For more information, visit police.unc.edu/carolinasafe/livesafe.\n\nWe remind everyone that weather conditions such as this can produce dangerous situations on roadways and sidewalks, and if conditions worsen, downed powerlines and tree branches could occur. Be cautious of flooded walkways and roadways and do not approach downed powerlines. Stay away from storm drains and drainage systems: turn around, don’t drown. Also, watch for missing manhole covers or other ground-level dangers. Stay inside if these serious conditions are encountered.\n\nWe encourage you to tell family and friends now about the American Red Cross Safe and Well List website, so they will know how to get your “safe and well” message in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you can register on the redcross.org/safeandwell website.\n\nWe urge everyone to visit ready.gov/hurricanes or readync.org to review basic information about how to prepare for a hurricane.\n\nFor more campus safety information, visit alertcarolina.unc.edu.\n\nIn the event of an emergency on campus, please call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency, contact UNC Police at 919-962-8100.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina Notification Archive — Preparations and Precautions for Hurricane Florence (Sept. 10, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive page (full email body).", "Alert Carolina distinguishes informational messages (preparation-oriented) from emergency notifications (immediate threat) — September 10 was an informational/preparation message", "Alert Carolina is UNC Chapel Hill's Rave-based emergency notification system, named after the university's Carolina blue branding" ], "characterCount": 2054, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/10/1536601388000264974354/" }, { "sequence": 2, "type": "update", "timestamp": "2018-09-11T17:00:00-04:00", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Due to forecasted impacts from Hurricane Florence, the University will move to Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) of its adverse weather plan at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12, the University will move to Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) and remain at Condition 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.\n\nIn addition, classes will be cancelled beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday to allow students to travel home if they are able.\n\nAll students are strongly encouraged to leave the Chapel Hill area before the storm hits. Anyone who is traveling out of the path of the storm should do so no later than Wednesday evening.\n\nThe residence halls will remain open for students who live on campus and are not able to travel home. Details on dining and other campus services will be communicated in the near future.\n\nDecisions regarding planned athletic events will be announced at a later time. Visit GoHeels.com for updates.\n\nCondition 1 (beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11 until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12)\n\nCurrent conditions may not pose severe safety risks or logistical challenges, but an event has significant potential to negatively affect – or already is affecting – local area commuting, important campus services, or the efficient functioning of campus buildings and grounds. Faculty and staff should consider their own personal circumstances to determine whether to report late, leave early, or not report at all. Classes are cancelled.\n\n• Non-mandatory employees, after informing their supervisors in a timely manner, have the option to report to work late, leave early, or not report to work. These employees must use available personal leave time (compensatory, vacation or bonus) to cover any time away from regular work hours.\n\n• Alternatively, and only with supervisor approval, these employees may be permitted to work from home or alternate sites when, in the supervisor’s discretion, it is feasible and safe for this to occur. Employees working away from campus do not use leave. Even so, such arrangements may not be practicable for all types of employees or during every type of adverse weather or emergency event.\n\n• Mandatory employees (whose presence has been designated mandatory to University operations during adverse weather or emergency events) are expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.\n\nCondition 2 (beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16)\n\nClasses are cancelled and all non-mandatory operations are suspended; only mandatory employees must report to or remain at work. Non-faculty (staff) non-mandatory employees must not report, or must leave campus. These employees must use leave time if not working or can use make-up time subject to applicable rules. Alternatively, and only with supervisor approval, non-mandatory employees may work from home or an alternate site.\n\nAdverse Weather Policy and Background\n\nUnless a change in operational status is announced, the University always operates on a regular schedule. UNC-Chapel Hill may activate three adverse weather operating conditions: Condition 1 – Reduced Operations (University is open); Condition 2 – Suspended Operations (classes are cancelled; University is open only for mandatory operations); and Condition 3 – Closure (classes are cancelled; offices and facilities are closed).\n\nStaff employees are reminded of the University of North Carolina system adverse weather policy for all UNC campuses that took effect in 2016.\n\nKey factors include projections about weather and travel conditions on area roads and campus sidewalks, as well as the operating plans of Chapel Hill Transit and other regional transit. Safety is the number one priority when making weather decisions about campus operations.\n\nInformation Sources\n\nIf adverse weather changes the University’s operating status, campus communications will include:\n\n• An email, website post and, if conditions warrant, a text message from Alert Carolina, alertcarolina.unc.edu. You must be signed up to receive an Alert Carolina text message.\n\n• Posts on the University’s homepage, www.unc.edu, amplified via official social media accounts including @UNC, @Alert_UNCCH (for parents, family, Chapel Hill residents and friends) and @UNC_HR on Twitter.\n\n• UNC Transportation and Parking for information including parking lot conditions and the status of Point-to-Point shuttle operations, which may cease at any point when travel becomes hazardous for drivers and passengers. Refer to move.unc.edu.\n\n• Area news media websites.\n\nChapel Hill Transit also posts adverse weather news and routes and schedules. Refer to www.townofchapelhill.org/government/news-events/emergency/adverse-weather-updates", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive page (full email body).", "Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) reduces non-essential staffing but keeps classes; Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) closes the university and cancels classes", "Students were strongly encouraged to leave the Chapel Hill area before the storm if they were able to travel" ], "characterCount": 4818, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/10/1536627337000267920375" }, { "sequence": 3, "type": "update", "channel": "sms", "verbatimText": "The University is Now Operating Under Condition 2 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. Classes remain canceled through Friday.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/12/1536786000000286535316/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina archive — Condition 2 activation (Sept. 12, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from Alert Carolina archive short status body." ], "characterCount": 113, "timestampApprox": "Approximately 5:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2018" }, { "sequence": 4, "type": "all-clear", "timestampApprox": "Approximately 5:00 PM EDT on Sunday, September 16, 2018", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:\n\nThe University is currently operating in Condition 1 and will remain in Condition 1 until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18. Classes remain cancelled for the evening of Monday, Sept. 17.\n\nThe University will resume normal operations (including classes) at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18.\n\nEven with our campus resuming normal operations, there may be lengthy periods of clean-up in other areas around the state and region, displaced and/or separated families, travel delays for students returning to campus and communities coping with physical and emotional trauma and exhaustion.\n\nStudents, faculty and staff should make the best decision for themselves in their individual circumstances on whether it is safe to return to campus.\n\nFaculty are encouraged to be flexible and considerate as you work with impacted students to navigate missed classes, late assignments and rescheduling of exams. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@unc.edu.\n\nFaculty and staff who are not able to return should notify their department chair or supervisor. Chairs and supervisors are encouraged to be flexible and understanding, where possible.\n\nStudents who are unable to attend class due to Hurricane Florence should notify their faculty member. If additional assistance is needed, call or email the Office of the Dean of Students for individualized guidance and support.\n\nDean of Students\n\n919-966-4042\n\ndos@unc.edu\n\nFor students who need additional mental health support to as they transition back to classes should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 919-966-3658 or caps@unc.edu. For urgent concerns outside of business hours, call 919-966-2281. Faculty and staff should contact the Employee Assistance Program 24-hour ComPsych line at 877-314-5841.\n\nAgain, the safety and security of our campus community is our highest priority. Please consider your personal safety first when deciding on when to return to campus. The University is committed to working with you to ensure a safe and smooth transition.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina Notification Archive — Campus returning to normal operations (Sept. 16, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive page (full email body).", "The 'mega shelter' wound down as evacuated coastal communities reopened and residents could return home" ], "characterCount": 2077, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/16/1537142139000340463736/" }, { "sequence": 5, "type": "update", "channel": "sms", "verbatimText": "The University is Now Operating Under Condition 1 as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. Classes are canceled through Friday.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536702120000275882415/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina archive — Condition 1 activation (Sept. 11, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive." ], "characterCount": 108, "timestampApprox": "Approximately 5:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 11, 2018" }, { "sequence": 6, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "The forecast for Hurricane Florence continues to show severe impacts for the Chapel Hill and the surrounding area, including the potential for flash flooding and wind damage.\n\nAll students are strongly encouraged to leave Chapel Hill before the storm hits.\n\nFor students with no relocation options, emergency response officials will be on campus and ready to assist if there is a threat to safety. Student Affairs will be in touch directly with students who remain in the residence halls with more specific instructions and information.\n\nThe University will be in Condition 2 beginning 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12. That means all non-mandatory operations are suspended and non-essential employees should not report to work. All student workers are considered non-essential and should be encouraged to leave the area.\n\nBefore leaving campus, employees should unplug electronics and throw away any perishable food. Please safety store or take any valuable items with you.\n\nResource updates for students, faculty and staff\n\nDining\n\nWednesday, Sept. 12\n\n• Chase Dining Hall and Top of Lenoir will be open until 7 p.m.\n\n• All other dining facilities will close at 5 p.m.\n\nThursday, Sept. 13\n\n• Chase Dining Hall and Top of Lenoir will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.\n\nFriday, Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 16\n\n• Chase Dining Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.\n\nHousing\n\n• Students who are staying in the residence halls during the storm should indicate that by responding to the housing email sent earlier today.\n\n• Limited housing staff will remain in the residence halls with students.\n\n• Students who are leaving their residence hall for the storm should unplug all electronics and throw away any perishable food items in the event of a power surge or outage.\n\n• Students who live on the first floor of a residence hall are encouraged to remove items from the floor in case of flooding.\n\nEmergency Shelters\n\nOrange County is opening two emergency shelters for any displaced residents. That information can be found here.\n\nUNC Police\n\nUNC Police will remain on campus and are prepared to respond to emergency calls. Please only call 911 for emergencies. The non-emergency line for police is 919-962-8100. If the wind speeds present an unsafe situation, emergency services will be suspended until conditions improve.\n\nSafety Check In and Tips\n\nYou are encouraged to use the American Red Cross Safe and Well List website so you can make plans about communicating during adverse weather. This site will help you know how to get a “safe and well” message in an emergency. Please register in advance of the storm at redcross.org/safeandwell website.\n\nVisit ready.gov/hurricanes or readync.org to review basic information about how to prepare for a hurricane.\n\nParking\n\n• Wednesday Sept. 12: Parking regulations will be in effect until 5:00 p.m.\n\n• Thursday, Sept. 13 and Friday, Sept. 14: Parking regulations will be suspended.\n\n• The S11 lots along Skipper Bowles Drive will be available to commuters impacted by disrupted transit operations.\n\n• The Dogwood Deck is expressly reserved for hospital patients and visitors ONLY.\n\nTransportation\n\nPoint-to-Point (P2P)\n\n• All P2P Operations will be suspended on Thursday, Sept. 13 and remain closed until conditions improve.\n\nPASS Cart Services\n\n• PASS Cart operations will be suspended on Thursday, Sept. 13 remain closed until conditions improve.\n\nPark & Ride\n\n• Alerts and updates can be found at CHT Adverse Weather Alerts.\n\nAthletic Events\n\nAll UNC athletic events through Sunday have been cancelled. Visit GoHeels.com for the latest information.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536709863000277507964/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina archive — Campus services updates during Florence (Sept. 11, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive." ], "characterCount": 3591, "timestampApprox": "Approximately late afternoon Tuesday, September 11, 2018" }, { "sequence": 7, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Students, Faculty and Staff:\n\nWe have started to feel the effects of Hurricane Florence, including wind and rain. We may be spared the worst of the storm, but there is still a high likelihood for falling branches, trees and power lines. Inland flooding is also a concern for the surrounding area – do not attempt to walk or drive through standing water.\n\nIt is important to stay where you have sheltered and exercise caution at all times.\n\nThe University remains in Condition 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. That means all non-mandatory operations are suspended and non-essential employees should not report to work.\n\nOfficials will assess damage to campus and the surrounding area once it is safe to do so and will closely monitor flooding on roadways around the state. We will communicate an update by 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15. Any timely alerts will be sent through the Alert Carolina system in the meantime.\n\nThose who have left campus should not return until there is an announcement about University conditions and classes. Please stay where you are.\n\nResource updates for students, faculty and staff:\n\nDining\n\nChase Dining Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 16. For more updates visit: https://dining.unc.edu/news/hurricaneflorence/\n\nHousing/Student Life\n\n• All students should keep a close eye on their email for important updates from student affairs.\n\n• In the event of a power outage, your brass key will unlock the front entry door to your dormitory building.\n\nEmergency Shelters\n\nOrange County has opened two emergency shelters for any displaced residents. That information can be found here.\n\nUNC Police\n\nUNC Police are on campus and prepared to respond to emergency calls. Please only call 911 for emergencies. The non-emergency line for police is 919-962-8100. If the wind speeds present an unsafe situation, emergency services will be suspended until conditions improve.\n\nReporting Issues and Hurricane Tips\n\nBuilding, utility and grounds issues should be reported as follows:\n\n• For staff and faculty:\n\n• To report water leaks, building flooding, non-life-threatening building damage or downed trees, call 919-962-3456.\n\n• To report power or utility loss, call 919-962-8100 (UNC Police Dispatch).\n\n• For serious building damage or other conditions that could be a safety threat, call 9-1-1.\n\n• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​For students:\n\n• To report power or utility loss, call 919-962-8100 (UNC Police Dispatch).\n\n• To report water leaks, residence hall flooding, non-life-threatening building damage or downed trees, contact your Resident Advisor or call 919-962-3456.\n\n• For serious building damage or other conditions that could be a safety threat, call 9-1-1.\n\n• If you see a broken water main or overflowing manhole in the street: Avoid the area and call 9-1-1.\n\nVisit ready.gov/hurricanes or readync.org to review hurricane safety tips.\n\nParking\n\n• Parking regulations remain suspended. Do not park in reserved/disability spaces or fire lanes.\n\n• The Dogwood Deck is expressly reserved for hospital patients and visitors ONLY.\n\nTransportation\n\nPoint-to-Point (P2P)\n\n• All P2P Operations remain closed until conditions improve.\n\nPASS Cart Services\n\n• PASS Cart operations remain closed until conditions improve.\n\nPark & Ride\n\n• Alerts and updates can be found at CHT Adverse Weather Alerts.\n\nAthletic Events\n\nAll UNC athletic events through Sunday have been cancelled. Visit GoHeels.com for the latest information.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/14/alert-carolina-hurricane-florence-update/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina archive — Hurricane Florence Update (Sept. 14, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive." ], "characterCount": 3464, "timestampApprox": "Approximately September 14, 2018 during Condition 2" }, { "sequence": 8, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "We are currently evaluating conditions both in the Chapel Hill area and around the state. We recognize that many parts of North Carolina are still feeling effects of the storm and many others are assessing damage. A decision on the operating status for Monday will be communicated this evening.\n\nThose who have left campus should not return until there is an announcement about University conditions and classes. Please stay where you are.\n\nStudents on campus should stay indoors as much as possible and exercise extreme caution. While our area was spared the worst of the storm, there are still fallen tree limbs and other debris across campus. Our grounds crews are working as quickly as possible to remove any safety hazards.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/15/1537039013000325332501/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina archive — Condition 2 midday evaluation (Sept. 15, 2018)", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive." ], "characterCount": 728, "timestampApprox": "Approximately afternoon Saturday, September 15, 2018" }, { "sequence": 9, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:\n\nThe University is currently operating in Condition 2 and will remain in Condition 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.\n\nThe University will Move to Condition 1 at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.\n\nClasses cancelled on Monday, Sept. 17.\n\nCurrent conditions locally may not pose severe safety risks or logistical challenges, but Hurricane Florence continues to negatively affect travel across the state. Motorists have been asked by the North Carolina Governor Cooper and NC DOT officials to remain off roads—particularly in eastern NC—until they are deemed safe. As such, classes remain suspended on Monday, Sept. 17. Employees and faculty should consider their own personal circumstances to determine whether to report late, leave early, or not report at all on Monday, Sept 17.\n\nInformation for faculty and staff:\n\n• Non-mandatory employees, after informing their supervisors in a timely manner, have the option to report to work late, leave early, or not report to work. These employees must use available personal leave time (compensatory, vacation or bonus) to cover any time away from regular work hours.\n\n• Alternatively, and only with supervisor approval, these employees may be permitted to work from home or alternate sites when, in the supervisor’s discretion, it is feasible and safe for this to occur. Employees working away from campus do not use leave. Even so, such arrangements may not be practicable for all types of employees or during every type of adverse weather or emergency event.\n\n• Mandatory employees (whose presence has been designated mandatory to University operations during adverse weather or emergency events) are expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.\n\n• Faculty and staff who are not able to return should notify their department chair or supervisor. Chairs and supervisors are encouraged to be flexible and understanding, where possible.\n\n• NOTE: These changes are specific to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and are independent of the UNC-Chapel Hill Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City, NC.\n\nInformation for students\n\nWe recognize that other parts of the state and region were more heavily impacted by Hurricane Florence than Chapel Hill. The safety of our campus community is our highest priority and we recognize that not all students may be able to return to campus by Tuesday. Students who are unable to attend class due to Hurricane Florence should notify their faculty members and can call or email the Office of the Dean of Students for individualized guidance and support as needed. Faculty are encouraged to be flexible and work with impacted students to navigate missed classes, late assignments and rescheduling of exams.\n\nDean of Students\n\n919-966-4042\n\ndos@unc.edu\n\nInformation on resources\n\nDining\n\n• Chase Dining Hall will be open Today (Saturday) until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. until normal closing hours.\n\n• Lenoir Dining Hall (top floor) will be open from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17.\n\n• Limited campus retail food options will also be available on Monday, Sept. 17; for more information, visit the UNC Campus Dining website at www.dining.unc.edu.\n\n• Dining is expected to resume normal operations on Tuesday, Sept. 17. For up-to-date information, please visit the UNC Campus Dining website at www.dining.unc.edu.\n\nTransportation and Parking\n\n• Beginning 7 a.m. Monday, Sept.17, all parking regulations will be in effect. If your vehicle is currently parked in a space it is not permitted for, please move it before 7 a.m. on Monday.\n\n• P2P will resume normal operations at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16.\n\n• For up-to-date information on transportation and parking, see the Adverse Weather link through the Transportation and Parking website at www.move.unc.edu.\n\nReporting Damage\n\nFor staff and faculty:\n\nTo report power loss, water leaks, building flooding, non-life-threatening building damage or downed trees, call 919-962-3456.\n\nFor serious building damage or other conditions that could be a safety threat, call 9-1-1.\n\nFor students:\n\nTo report power loss, water leaks, residence hall flooding, non-life-threatening building damage or downed trees, contact your Resident Advisor or call 919-966-2471.\n\nFor serious building damage or other conditions that could be a safety threat, call 9-1-1.\n\nIf you see a broken water main or overflowing manhole in the street: Avoid the area and call 911.\n\nPlease stay tuned for further updates by Sunday evening, Sept. 16, regarding the University’s status and the potential for the resumption of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 18.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/15/1537049339000326235941", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina", "annotations": [ "Verbatim from official Alert Carolina notification archive." ], "characterCount": 4748, "timestampApprox": "Approximately evening Saturday, September 15, 2018" }, { "sequence": 10, "type": "update", "channel": "multi-channel", "verbatimText": "The University is Operating Under Condition 2; next update 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/14/1536947734000311620791/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina Florence status", "annotations": [ "Exact text from alertcarolina.unc.edu Florence archive" ], "characterCount": 85 }, { "sequence": 11, "type": "update", "channel": "multi-channel", "verbatimText": "The University is currently operating under normal conditions", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/18/1537272000000359932632/", "sourceDescription": "Alert Carolina Florence status", "annotations": [ "Exact text from alertcarolina.unc.edu Florence archive" ], "characterCount": 61 } ], "context": "[The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_North_Carolina_at_Chapel_Hill) is a public R1 research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with approximately 30,000 students, and the flagship of the 17-campus UNC System. [Hurricane Florence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Florence) approached the Carolinas in mid-September 2018 and was at one point forecast to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. UNC's response cascaded through the [Alert Carolina notification system](https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/) over a 72-hour window: an informational preparation message Monday September 10, a Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) declaration at 5 PM EDT Tuesday September 11, and a [Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) declaration at 5 PM EDT Wednesday September 12](https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536709863000277507964/) lasting through 5 PM EDT Sunday September 16. What made UNC's response distinctive was its dual role: while sheltering its own students, the university [opened a state 'mega shelter' on the Chapel Hill campus at the request of Governor Roy Cooper and NC Emergency Management](https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/unc-operate-mega-shelter-hurricane-florence), receiving evacuees from coastal counties whose own emergency shelters were full or threatened. The home football game against ECU at Kenan Stadium was postponed. [Chancellor Carol Folt's post-Florence community message](https://www.unc.edu/posts/2018/09/18/message-from-chancellor-folt-following-hurricane-florence/) reflected on the dual mission of caring for both students and evacuees. Hurricane Florence ultimately weakened to Category 1 before landfall but stalled and dumped record rainfall, up to 36 inches in some North Carolina locations. The case is significant for showing how a flagship state university can serve a dual role as both protected campus and state emergency-shelter facility under the UNC System's adverse weather protocol.", "keyFindings": [ "UNC Chapel Hill cascaded through Alert Carolina notifications: informational preparation (Monday), Condition 1 (Tuesday 5 PM), Condition 2 (Wednesday 5 PM), resumption (Sunday 5 PM)", "At Governor Roy Cooper's request, UNC opened a state 'mega shelter' on campus to receive evacuees from coastal counties whose own emergency shelters were full", "The home football game against ECU at Kenan Stadium was postponed (one of multiple ACC games cancelled across the region)", "Chancellor Carol Folt's post-storm message highlighted UNC's dual mission of caring for both its sheltering students and the state evacuees", "Alert Carolina notifications are archived at alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications, providing a public verifiable record of UNC's response" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Informational message from Alert Carolina on preparations and precautions for Hurricane Florence (UNC Chapel Hill)", "url": "https://www.unc.edu/posts/2018/09/10/informational-message-from-alert-carolina-on-preparations-and-precautions-for-hurricane-florence/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Adverse Weather: Updates to campus services during Hurricane Florence (Alert Carolina)", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536709863000277507964/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Governor: UNC to Operate 'Mega Shelter' During Hurricane Florence (Chapelboro)", "url": "https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/unc-operate-mega-shelter-hurricane-florence", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Message from Chancellor Folt following Hurricane Florence (UNC Chapel Hill)", "url": "https://www.unc.edu/posts/2018/09/18/message-from-chancellor-folt-following-hurricane-florence/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "UNC Canceling Classes Ahead of Hurricane Florence (Chapelboro)", "url": "https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/unc-canceling-classes-ahead-hurricane-florence", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Universities cancel classes, sporting events ahead of Hurricane Florence (ABC11)", "url": "https://abc11.com/weather/unc-nc-state-ecu-games-called-off-for-the-weekend;-classes-canceled/4204280/", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina Notification Archive — Preparations and Precautions for Hurricane Florence (Sept. 10, 2018)", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/10/1536601388000264974354/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina Notification Archive — Adverse weather Condition 1/2 schedule for Hurricane Florence (Sept. 10, 2018)", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/10/1536627337000267920375/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina Notification Archive — Campus returning to normal operations (Sept. 16, 2018)", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/16/1537142139000340463736/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "The University is Now Operating Under Condition 2", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/12/1536786000000286535316/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Adverse Weather: The University is Now Operating Under Condition 1", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/11/1536702120000275882415/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina: Hurricane Florence Update", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/14/alert-carolina-hurricane-florence-update/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "The University is Operating Under Condition 2; next update Saturday, Sept. 15, Evening", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/15/1537039013000325332501/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Adverse Weather: University to move to Condition 1 at 5 p.m. Sunday, classes cancelled Monday", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/15/1537049339000326235941/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina Florence status", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/14/1536947734000311620791/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina Florence status", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/18/1537272000000359932632/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/10/1536627337000267920375", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Alert Carolina", "url": "https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/notifications/2018/09/15/1537049339000326235941", "type": "official-archive" } ], "confidence": "high", "tags": [ "hurricane", "florence", "north-carolina", "public-r1", "alert-carolina", "unc-system", "suspended-operations", "weather", "mega-shelter", "state-emergency" ], "dateAdded": "2026-05-14", "lastUpdated": "2026-07-19", "addedBy": "ingestion" }