Cougar Alert: Campus Weather Advisory for January 9, 2024

By | January 8, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

Due to the forecast for severe weather conditions and flooding for the Charleston region on Tuesday, Jan. 9, the College of Charleston will follow the decision of Charleston County Government and close normal business operations of the College on Tuesday.

Campus housing and dining will remain open. Essential personnel should coordinate with their supervisors regarding their work schedules for Tuesday. The College will maintain necessary operations to continue to house and support students on campus in our residence halls. All other College employees will not report to campus Tuesday due to the closure of county government.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

  • Spring semester classes do not begin until Wednesday, Jan. 10, so there are not expected to be any changes to the academic calendar.
  • New Student Orientation scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9, will be moving to a virtual format. New students should check their personal and CofC email accounts for Zoom links for advising and registration appointment information.
  • Residential dining will remain open on Tuesday, but retail locations will be closed. Dining hours can be found on the campus dining website.
  • Addlestone Library will be closed Tuesday.
  • The Stern Student Center will be closed Tuesday. The George Street Fitness Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesday.
  • College Bookstore will be open on a modified schedule for course material pickup. Modified hours can be found on the bookstore website.

All CAMPUS MEMBERS 

  • Everyone should have a personal safety plan and be prepared for potential events such as power outages, flooding and downed tree limbs. Do not attempt to drive through high flood waters. Follow instructions from law enforcement, emergency responders and College officials.
  • Public Safety will open their Emergency Operations Center at 10 a.m. to closely monitor events. For emergencies on or off campus, dial 911. To contact CofC Public Safety for non-emergencies, dial 843.953.5609.
  • The Information Technology Service Desk’s phone, email and chat support will remain available. Check the IT website for hours and contact information.
  • Stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office for the latest forecast.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TUESDAY’S WEATHER

  • Beginning mid-day Tuesday, weather conditions are expected to transition from scattered rain showers to strong thunderstorms, which may become severe and include the potential for tornadoes across the Carolinas.
  • The heaviest storms are expected to move across our region from west to east between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday. These storms will likely bring heavy rainfall, flooding, gusty winds and the potential for severe conditions.
  • A High Wind Watch is in effect along the coast for the potential of wind gusts to 60 mph. A Wind Advisory has been issued for inland counties where wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
  • Once the weather system moves offshore, the winds will die down and conditions will remain breezy overnight and into Wednesday. Winds gust up to 30 mph are still possible at times.

Sincerely,

College of Charleston Emergency Management Team