Adverse Weather
The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority in making any weather-related decision about campus operations. Unless the University announces a change in status, the campus operates on a regular schedule. Based on information from grounds, police and transportation staff, Chapel Hill Transit, law enforcement agencies, the National Weather Service, and other sources, the University may activate one of three Adverse Weather Conditions (Condition 1, 2, and 3). The University is committed to announcing a change in class or work schedules as far in advance as possible so students, faculty and staff can plan their travel to and from campus accordingly.
Under the UNC System’s Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy, the three Adverse Weather Conditions are:
- Condition 1: Reduced Operations
- Condition 2: Suspended Operations
- Condition 3: Closure
Severe Weather Checklist
In the event of severe weather conditions, you should:
- Monitor local weather.
- Stay alert for severe weather warnings from Alert Carolina.
- Stay calm.
- Warn persons in your area of the threat.
- Seek shelter and remain there until the threat is over.
- Make an emergency kit: you need enough water, food and supplies in your kit for three to seven days for each person and pet.
- Report any damages to campus police as soon as possible.
- Evacuate any damaged structures
Tornado Warnings and Watches
The University will send out notifications through Alert Carolina when there are tornado warnings that are specific for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The University will also send out notifications when there are tornado watches that are specific to Orange County.
Tornado Warning: Take Action!
If the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for Chapel Hill and Carrboro, the University will activate the emergency sirens for a significant emergency or immediate threat to the health or safety of people on campus.
You need to take immediate safety precautions:
- Seek shelter immediately.
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Avoid windows.
- If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
- Protect yourself from flying debris.
Alert Carolina will send a text message to registered cell phones and start other notifications including campus e-mail, Alert Carolina social media and the Carolina Ready Safety App.
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!
If the NWS issues a tornado watch for Orange County, the University will send an Informational Alert Carolina primarily through campus e-mail, Alert Carolina social media and the Carolina Ready Safety App.
You need to be prepared:
- Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies in your safe room.
- Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
- Acting early helps save lives!
Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur.
The weather service updates this information regularly, so be sure to check the National Weather Service website listing the current status of watches, warnings or advisories for Orange County.
The University will not send additional Alert Carolina notifications to the campus community about a tornado watch since the status of those often change frequently during a weather event. If a new weather pattern enters the area that prompts a fresh watch after a 24-hour period, the University will reissue the watch notice as part of the ongoing monitoring efforts for potential serious weather conditions.