FAMU Announces Closures Ahead of Tropical Weather System

Florida A&M University (FAMU) is monitoring the potentially dangerous tropical weather system that could bring severe weather conditions to the Florida Panhandle later this week.

Tropical Cyclone #9 is now forecast to be a major hurricane at landfall along the Florida Big Bend. The potential for impacts is increasing across the region and impacts are possible as early as Wednesday night and could last into Friday.

Out of an abundance of caution, classes will be canceled beginning today at 12:15 p.m. through Friday, Sept. 27. All academic operations will be suspended to accommodate any potential disruptions caused by the storm. All academic deans and faculty members are asked to work closely with students and provide maximum flexibility during this time.

Campus operations today will be fully functional through 5 p.m. today. The University will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Essential personnel should report to their supervisors. Weekend activities such as Fall Preview, the FAMU home football game and Parents and Family Weekend, will be rescheduled.

The FAMU Developmental Research School (K-12) will close on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday for the safety of students, teachers, and staff.

The FAMU Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) will close for the week beginning at 5:30 p.m.

While it is too soon to pinpoint the exact location and magnitude the tropical weather system, the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing.

Students, faculty, and staff should be aware that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the current forecast and the system’s track and intensity. This system does not yet have a defined center.

The University administration will continue to monitor the storm closely and provide updates as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff are urged to stay informed and prioritize their safety during this period.

Please use this time to prepare for your storms and review your hurricane safety plans before the onset of severe weather. You can find preparedness resources:

https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/

For further updates, please check FAMU Alert, visit famu.edu, or follow the official FAMU social media channels.