Severe weather threat prompts SC State campus to close at 2 p.m. today

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University will cancel  classes and dismiss nonessential employees today (Tuesday, April 5, 2022) at 2 p.m. in light of approaching severe weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a significant risk of thunderstorms and strong winds beginning late this afternoon.

The Washington Dining Hall and The Pitt quick-serve dining area in the Student Center will close at 4:30 p.m.

Maintenance crews will place sandbags at potentially vulnerable locations in Belcher Hall, Davis Hall, Hodge Hall, Crawford Engineering Building and Lewis Laboratories. Faculty and staff are asked to vacate these buildings by 2 p.m.

Students and employees are advised to take an abundance of caution when outside and/or traveling. Residential students are advised to remain in their residence halls throughout the inclement weather.

Emergency contacts:

  • Campus Police 803-378-4754.
  • Afterhours maintenance 803-596-6030.

Essential personnel are to remain on campus per supervisors’ instructions.

The forecast

Thunderstorms are ongoing across the Deep South. The NWS expects the bulk of the activity to move into the Midlands area of South Carolina this afternoon. This could cause areas of damaging winds.

Peak hours for severe weather are expected to be from 4-7 p.m.

Another round of thunderstorms will occur Wednesday ahead of a cold front. There is some potential for strong or severe storms in Wednesday afternoon.

 

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Author avatar
Sam Watson
https://www.scsu.edu
Director of University Relations | swatson2@scsu.edu | 803-533-3603 (Desk) | 803-747-1223 (Cell)