University continues to update students on Hurricane Dorian
This is a continuing story. Check back for updates.
Update | Sep. 4 | 4:00 p.m.
Concerns have risen on the USCA Student Life Facebook page from students about the university’s decision to remain open tomorrow, September 5.
While confusion about the time and date of Hurricane Dorian’s full landfall on the South Carolina coast remains, news outlets are currently reporting that the storm will reach Charleston early Thursday morning.
The outer bands of the hurricane hit Charleston a few minutes ago, bringing heavy rains to the grand strand and low country.
Regarding the safety of students at USCA, Vice Chancellor Ahmed Samaha said, “We always advise students to use their best judgement if they feel unsafe reaching campus because of the conditions in their area.”
The coast, especially Charleston, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s effects on the state. Aiken’s forecast calls for “1 to 2 inches of rain and winds up to 35 miles per hour beginning late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning,” according to the Aiken standard.
“At the current time, Aiken is expected to receive a little rain and wind,” said Samaha, mentioning too that those in emergency management at USCA are not concerned but would continue to monitor the storm’s track.
**Update by Editor-in-Chief Cecilia Maddox**
Update | Sep. 4 | 11:20 a.m.
According to an official USC Aiken communication email, classes for Thursday, September 5 will not be cancelled.
Hurricane Dorian is now classified as a category 2 storm, which makes the maximum wind capacity to 105 mph. NPR News reported this morning that the storm was “about 90 miles east-northeast of Daytona Beach” and go through the Florida and Georgia coast tonight.
The hurricane is forecast to move toward the Carolinas late Thursday night or Friday morning. The USCA official email said that the university will “continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Dorian.”
**Update by Editor-in-Chief Cecilia Maddox**
Update | September 3 | 2:00 p.m.
According to an official USCA communication email, classes for Wednesday, September 4 will continue according to their normal schedules.
As written in the email, “The university’s leadership will continue to monitor the track of hurricane Dorian.”
The email warns students, faculty and staff to use their own judgement when considering the route to campus.
“The safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and guests are our top priority.”
**Update by Editor-in-Chief Cecilia Maddox**
September 3 | 6 a.m.
Yesterday the University updated students on the progress of Hurricane Dorian.
As of 12:00 p.m. the University said that classes are not cancelled for September 3 but they are continuing to work with law enforcement officials to “monitor the path and potential impact of Hurricane Dorian.”
CBS News provided “fast facts” on Hurricane Dorian at 11:00 a.m. including the category, path and evacuation areas. Currently, the University may be spared but mandatory evacuations are underway on the Florida, Georgia and South Carolina coastlines.
USC Beaufort was evacuated yesterday and the students will be staying at the USCA campus.
The homepage for USCA posted an update on the hurricane including information on evacuees: “We will be hosting evacuated students from USC Beaufort in the SAC Mezz, and a small number of students from the Medical University of South Carolina in a separate apartment at Pacer Downs. Our housing department staff, headed by Kevin Kerr, will be ready to welcome these students. The Office of Student Affairs will coordinate services for these evacuees throughout the week.”
The University urged students to continue to watch weather updates and to plan for safe travels.
Photo by CBS News.
