UPDATE (Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:35 a.m.): Classes are cancelled for the rest of the day on Friday. No changes to evening activities at this time. Flash flood warning has been issued for Salem.
Campus Safety is closely monitoring the weather forecast for the Roanoke Valley in the coming days. Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday night before moving north, and it is expected to bring severe weather to our area beginning Thursday night and extending into Friday. A flood watch is currently in effect through Friday evening.
The latest forecast provided in regional emergency meetings calls for a possible 2 to 4 inches of rainfall in our region – possibly heavy at times – along with high winds and conditions that could spur tornadoes. This week’s rainfall has left the ground saturated and increases the risk of life-threatening flash flooding, falling trees and power outages. River flooding is also a possibility.
Students should consider limiting off-campus travel on Thursday night and Friday. Those who must drive off campus should be on the lookout for debris, including falling limbs, and remember to NEVER drive through standing water.
Please monitor Maroon Alerts for warnings in reference to severe weather such as flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, high winds and tornadoes. You may also monitor local media sources for the latest weather predictions, road conditions and emergency information. The following local media sources are good options for you and for families traveling to Roanoke College for Family Weekend:
WDBJ7
WSLS10
WFXR
WVTF Public Radio
The Roanoke Times
In addition, the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg provides weather information for the Roanoke Valley region. NWS weather safety tips are very helpful and can be found here. You can find NWS communications at:
Facebook: www.fb.com/NWSBlacksburg
Twitter: @NWSBlacksburg
NWS Blacksburg Website: www.weather.gov/rnk or mobile.weather.gov
Weather Prediction Center: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
Storm Prediction Center:www.spc.noaa.gov