IMPORTANT UPDATE Weather Advisory 3 for Thursday, March 18, 2021

Weather Advisory 3 for Thursday, March 18, 2021

 

Members of the Barton College Community,

The College’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the impending weather conditions for this afternoon, Thursday, March 18, 2021.

It appears that the storm may be moving faster into our area this afternoon than predicted yesterday, but its severity may be slightly less.  The forecast continues to predict over an inch of rain, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and the potential for hail/isolated tornadoes.

Therefore, the College will remain on the planned modified schedule for today. 

  • All courses offered after 2 p.m. on Thursday will be cancelled.  Work will be made up at a later date.
  • All non-essential on-campus operations, which can cease, should also do so at 2 p.m.  This includes any athletic practices or other co-curricular activities.As always, if your particular circumstances place you at heightened risk, please contact your supervisor.

The Culinary Center plans to close at 4:30 p.m. today. Students should plan to eat early so they can be in their residence halls by the time the storms begin.

  • The Culinary Center will be open today (Thursday), serving hot food from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
  • Students are highly encouraged to get their dinner before 4:30 p.m. and to take to-go meals with them so they have plenty to eat. Bags will be available to help carry the containers more easily.
  • Blue’s Late Night will not be offered on Thursday evening.
  • In the event of a Tornado Warning, the Culinary Center will have to temporarily close, regardless of the time.

To prepare for the possibility of severe weather, remember to —

  • Make sure your cell phones are charged.
  • Make sure your family is aware of your location.
  • Make sure your office and residence hall windows are closed and secure.
  • Make sure you have dined or picked up your meal in the Culinary Center by 4:30 p.m., if you are a residential student.
  • Make a concerted effort to park your vehicles on campus away from trees that could be damaged from high winds.
  • (New Listing) Because of the potential threat of power outages or heavy rain, we recommend that faculty, staff, and students unplug electronics where possible, and either move them away from windows, or cover them if they might be exposed to moisture.

Remember to stay indoors when the severe weather begins.

If a Tornado Warning Alert is issued, immediately move to an interior space of your building with no windows. 

  • Wenger Hall Residents: interior hallways, lowest levels possible.
  • Hilley Hall Residents: interior hallways, lowest levels possible. (Stay away from the large window on first floor.)
  • Hackney Hall Residents: Restroom of each room
    • Students quarantining in Hackney Hall should also go into their restroom.
  • Waters Hall Residents: Hallway by police office, laundry room, and back stairwell
  • East Campus Suites Residents: First-floor hallways – not in lobby area.
    • Students quarantining in ECS should go into their restroom.
  • Kenan Street Apartments Residents: First-floor restroom

* Please watch your email for additional updates. And, please use caution and good judgment as you travel today.

Thank you,

Kathy Daughety

Office of Public Relations