This page hosts archives of DukeALERT system activations. Each individual event below includes the text of DukeALERT messages sent during the event and a brief description of the incident. Where possible, information about an event's resolution is included.
Duke Officials began monitoring a storm system with the potential for tornadic activity on November 11, 2022.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 9:56am after the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning including Duke's main campus in Durham:
Tornado Warning Main Campus-Durham.
Seek safe location! Avoid windows/doors. Updates at https://emergency.duke.edu
A tornado has been sighted or radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado in the area near Duke’s main campus in Durham.
University officials advise all members of the Duke community to seek shelter immediately.
* If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
* If you are already inside, move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
* Avoid windows.
* If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
* Protect yourself from flying debris.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 10:04am after the National Weather Service provided an update:
The tornado warning was issued for a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado located over Durham, moving north at 35 mph.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 10:15am after the National Weather Service's Tornado Warning expired:
All clear in the area of Duke main campus.
You may resume normal activity.
Duke Officials began monitoring a storm system with the potential for tornadic activity on May 27, 2022.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 4:07pm after the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning including Duke's main campus in Durham:
Tornado Warning Main Campus-Durham.
Seek safe location! Avoid windows/doors. Updates at https://emergency.duke.edu
A tornado has been sighted or radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado in the area near Duke’s main campus in Durham.
University officials advise all members of the Duke community to seek shelter immediately.
* If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
* If you are already inside, move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
* Avoid windows.
* If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
* Protect yourself from flying debris.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 4:27pm after the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning:
A flash flood warning has been issued for the Triangle area. Below are contacts for flooding, downed trees and power outages:
Flooding:
- Campus: 919-684-2122 (Facilities Management)
Duke Hospital/Medical Center: 919-684-3232 (Engineering & Operations)
Downed trees/power lines:
- 919-684-2444 (Duke Police)
Power outage:
- 919-684-2122 (Facilities Management)
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A DukeALERT was sent at 4:35pm after the National Weather Service's Tornado Warning expired:
The tornado warning issued for Durham that included Duke’s main campus has now been cleared. It is safe to resume normal activities.
Be careful of low-lying areas that may be flooded, as well as downed trees and power lines on and around campus.
Severe Weather Policy in Effect from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/20 at 5:09 pm
Due to the possibility of icy conditions Friday morning, Duke University and Duke University Health System will activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday.
All on-site classes beginning before 10 a.m. will be canceled or moved to online delivery, if possible. Online/remote classes will continue as scheduled. Instructors will inform students as to the mode of delivery/relevant links for classes on Friday morning. All classes beginning after 10 a.m. will be held as scheduled.
Certain Duke Health clinics, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, may delay opening or close, based on local conditions. For details about the status of clinics, visit the Duke Health website. The University's surveillance test sites on campus will be closed on Friday and will resume a normal schedule on Monday, Jan. 24.
All staff in “Essential Service" positions should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect. All staff in “Delayed Service” positions should not report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect to allow for crews to clear parking lots and roads more effectively.
Crews will be on-site early Friday morning to address any potential problem areas. Individuals coming to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots. Members of the Duke community should use priority snow/ice clearing routes to travel to and from campus buildings during winter weather since normal routes may not be cleared or treated initially.
On Friday morning, all medical center permit holders will be able to access any of the Medical Center parking garages (PG1, PG2, PG3, Hock Plaza Garage 1, and the Research Drive Garage) through the weekend to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots. The top level of all parking garages on campus will be closed beginning Thursday at 5 p.m. as a safety precaution.
Bus routes will depend on weather conditions. Every effort will be made to continue bus routes as scheduled. Community members should continue to monitor Duke Transloc for delays due to hazardous driving conditions.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website, as well as the Campus Service Updates web page for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
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Thursday Evening Services and Campus Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/20 at 7:23 pm
Scattered light snow showers are possible north of Highway 64 this evening and tonight, with sleet and freezing rain south of Highway 64. All of central N.C. may see some black ice tonight due to rain-wet roads from earlier in the day freezing tonight when temps drop below freezing area-wide.
Here are campus updates at this time:
- Wilson and Brodie gyms have adjusted operating hours Friday through Sunday due to inclement weather. Find updates schedules on the Recreation and Physical Education website.
- The H1 bus serving Remote Health System lots will not be in service Friday. As a reminder, beginning Friday morning all medical center permit holders will be able to access any of the Medical Center parking garages (PG1, PG2, PG3, Hock Plaza Garage 1, and the Research Drive Garage) through the weekend to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots. The top level of all parking garages on campus will be closed beginning Thursday at 5 p.m. as a safety precaution.
- Due to the potential for severe weather this weekend, the Duke Health COVID testing hours have been adjusted at the Morreene Road testing site, Duke North, DMP, DRAH, and DRH. Please check this document for testing hours for this Friday (1/21) through Sunday (1/23).
- Duke University's campus surveillance testing sites will be closed on Friday. Sites will resume a normal schedule on Monday.
Community members are encouraged to check the Campus Service Updates web page for updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates today as conditions warrant.
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Friday Morning Services and Campus Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/21 at 6:00 am
Most of the Triangle area received very little snow or sleet since midnight. Roads and walkways around the campus and medical center are in very good shape, but areas of black ice are expected through mid-morning. Crews will be on site starting at 6 a.m. to address any areas of ice.
Individuals coming to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case of icy spots. Use the priority snow/ice clearing routes to travel to and from campus buildings since normal routes may not be cleared or treated initially.
Here are campus updates at this time:
- Most Duke Stores locations will maintain regular hours Friday. TheCopy Center, the Duke Divinity Bookshop, Duke Medicine Pavilion Gift Shop, Duke South Gift Shop and the eSTORE Mail Order operation will all open at 10 a.m. Friday and then resume normal hours.
- The H1 bus serving Remote Health System lots will not be in service Friday. As a reminder, beginning Friday morning all medical center permit holders will be able to access any of the Medical Center parking garages (PG1, PG2, PG3, Hock Plaza Garage 1, and the Research Drive Garage) through the weekend to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots.
Community members are encouraged to check the Campus Service Updates web page for updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates today as conditions warrant.
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Severe Weather Policy Ended at 10 a.m., Official Monitoring Evening Forecasts
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/21 at 10:15 am
The severe weather and emergency policy ended at 10 a.m. Friday. Classes and other campus operations have resumed a normal schedule.
Officials continue to monitor forecasts for this afternoon and evening for the possibility of snow. Some additional light snow is expected to develop late Friday afternoon and evening with the best chance for accumulating snow along and east of I-95. Between one to two inches of snow is possible for most of the Triangle area.
Here are campus updates at this time:
- All parking lots are open except for the GC, H, R1, and Greystone lots. All bus routes are running except for the H1 route. Track busses in real time with
- PG1 reached capacity early this morning and is no longer available for those with medical center permit.
- Due to potentially icy paths, Sarah P. Duke Gardens is closed Friday.
Community members are encouraged to check the Campus Service Updates web page for updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates today as conditions warrant.
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Severe Weather Policy in Effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/21 at 1:45 pm
With a second round of winter weather expected overnight, Duke University and Duke University Health System will activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.
For the latest information about the status of Duke Health clinics, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, visit the Duke Health website.
The latest forecasts indicate that snow showers should begin Friday evening and continue until the early hours on Saturday. Temperatures will remain below freezing, and colder ground temperatures should result in accumulations between one to three inches, depending on location.
All staff in “Essential Service" positions should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect. All staff in “Delayed Service” positions should not report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect to allow for crews to clear parking lots and roads more effectively.
Crews have been on campus today spreading salt and ice-melt on roads, walkways and building entrances. Those coming to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots.
All bus routes are currently running, and every effort will be made to continue the C-1 bus route and Swift Shuttle this weekend, weather permitting.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website, as well as the Campus Service Updates web page for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
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Severe Weather Policy Extended to Noon Saturday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/21 at 10:48 pm
Due to snow accumulations Friday night, the severe weather and emergency conditions policy for Duke University and Duke University Health System will be extended until noon Saturday, Jan. 22.
For the latest information about the status of Duke Health clinics, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, visit the Duke Health website.
Please notify your staff and implement departmental severe weather plans as appropriate. All staff in “Essential Service" positions should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect. All staff in “Delayed Service” positions should not report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect to allow for crews to clear parking lots and roads more effectively.
Crews will be on site early Saturday clearing roads, walkways and building entrances. Those coming to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website, as well as the Campus Service Updates web page for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
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Severe Weather Policy Extended to 7 p.m. Saturday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/22 at 7:24 am
Due to significant snow accumulations overnight, the severe weather and emergency conditions policy for Duke University and Duke University Health System will be extended until 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22.
For the latest information about the status of Duke Health clinics, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, visit the Duke Health website.
Snow stopped around midnight, and crews are on site this morning clearing roads, walkways and building entrances. Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until late afternoon, so icy conditions will likely persist throughout the day.
Those coming to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots. Individuals should use the priority snow/ice clearing routes for travel around campus since normal routes may not be cleared or treated initially.
Please notify your staff and implement departmental severe weather plans as appropriate. All staff in “Essential Service" positions should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect. All staff in “Delayed Service” positions should not report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect to allow for crews to clear parking lots and roads more effectively.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website, as well as the Campus Services web page for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
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Saturday Morning Services and Campus Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/22 at 8:57 am
The Triangle received between 1-3 inches of snow overnight. Crews have been clearing roads overnight and will be clearing and treating walkways and building entrances this morning. Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing for most of the day, so icy conditions are expected to continue through the day and night. While roads on the university campus and at the medical center are in good shape, many of secondary roads leading to campus haven't been cleared yet.
Here are campus updates at this time:
- One bus is currenting running for the C1 route, and a second bus will begin at 10 a.m. The Swift Shuttle will begin operation at 9 a.m. Community members should continue to monitor Duke Transloc for delays due to hazardous driving conditions.
- Many Duke Stores locations will be closed on Saturday with a few operating with adjusted hours. The Duke Technology Center, Textbook Store, The Gothic Bookshop and the University Store will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Lobby Shop will be open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Duke North Gift Shop will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The East Campus Store will be open from noon until 8 p.m. Athletic Concessions and the Duke Team Store will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a full schedule of Duke Stores locations, visit the Campus Service Updates web page.
- The Duke Men's Basketball game against Syracuse is set for a noon tip-off. Crews are clearing the walkways to Cameron. Student should not arrive until 10 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.
- Brodie Gym will open at 3 p.m. instead of 11 a.m., and the Wilson Center will open at 11 a.m. as planned.
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens will be closed today.
Community members are encouraged to check the Campus Service Updates web page for updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates today as conditions warrant.
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Duke to Resume Normal Operations after 7 p.m. Saturday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/22 at 3:09 pm
Duke University and Duke University Health System will resume normal operations again when the severe weather and emergency conditions policy ends at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22.
The sun and warmer temperatures this afternoon have contributed to significant melting during the day. Crews have worked throughout the day to clear roads, walkways and building entrances on campus. The campus is in good condition overall.
Low temperatures could lead to some refreezing overnight, but temperatures will rise above freezing by mid-morning. Individuals traveling to campus should allow for extra time for travel and use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots.
The C1 and Swift Weekend routes will stop running at 9:30 p.m. tonight, and there will also be no van service this evening. Community members should monitor Duke Transloc for real-time updates on Sunday based on morning conditions.
Additional campus and service updates will continue to be posted on the Campus Services page through the end of the severe weather event.
Severe Weather Policy in Effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/15 at 6:39 pm
Due to the forecast of snow and ice accumulation on Sunday, Duke University and Duke University Health System will activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16.
Certain Duke Health clinics may delay opening or close based on local conditions. For details about the status of clinics, visit the Duke Health website.
The COVID-19 surveillance test site for students, faculty, and staff will remain open as scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and during regular hours on Monday. See the Duke United website for the full schedule.
All staff in “Essential Service” positions, including those working remotely, should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect. Those traveling to or from the worksite should use extreme caution and allow extra time. All staff in “Delayed Service” positions should not report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect to allow for crews to clear parking lots and roads more effectively.
Crews have pretreated roads, walkways, and building entrances today and will be on-site early Sunday to assess conditions and clear/treat any problem areas on campus.
Downed Trees and Power Outages
Wind gusts of 20-30 mph are expected Sunday afternoon, which could lead to downed trees, fallen limbs and power outages. While most of Duke's electric lines on campus are underground, there are some houses on Central Campus where lines are above ground.
- In the event of any downed trees or power lines, contact Duke Police at 919-684-2444.
- For any power outages for Duke facilities on or off campus, please call Facilities Management customer service 919-684-2122.
Parking and Transit
The top level of parking garages on campus are closed as a precaution. Essential service staff are encouraged to use the parking garages where possible and to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots. Members of the Duke community should use priority snow/ice clearing routes to travel to and from campus buildings during winter weather since normal routes may not be cleared or treated initially.
Bus routes will depend on weather conditions. Every effort will be made to continue the C-1 and Swift Shuttle, weather permitting. Members of the Duke community should monitor Duke Transloc for real-time updates on transit routes.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website regularly, as well as the Campus Service Updates web page, for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
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Early Sunday Morning Services Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/16 at 8:14 am
The winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight Sunday with heavy mixed precipitation and ice accumulation expected to be around two tenths to three tenths of an inch with snow accumulations of up to once inch.
Duke Transit will continue to evaluate weather and road conditions for the following routes:
- C1: C1: East-West is now operating under limited service
- SWS: Swift Shuttle is suspended
- CSF: C-Swift Weekend
Check TransLoc for real-time service alerts.
Other updates at this time:
The Nasher Museum of Art, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and Duke University Chapel are closed today. The Duke University Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service will be available online at 3 p.m. today.
Most Duke Stores locations will be closed today, however the following locations will be open:
- East Campus Store from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
- At the Bryan Center, the Lobby Shop from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Duke Technology Center, Textbook Store, Gothic Bookshop and the University Store will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- The Duke North Gift Shop from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Vending on campus and in the Medical Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Certain Duke Health clinics may delay opening or close based on local conditions. For details about the status of clinics, visit the Duke Health website.
The COVID-19 surveillance test site for students, faculty, and staff will remain open as scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and during regular hours on Monday. See the Duke United website for the full schedule.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates as conditions warrant.
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Early Sunday Afternoon Services Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/16 at 11:56 am
Snow has transitioned to sleet and freezing rain across the Triangle and in Durham. That is expected to continue to 1-2 p.m. and then move to rain most of the day. Ice accumulation, according to the National Weather Service, is expected to be around two tenths to three tenths of an inch.
No major issues have been reported on campus roads, which will be plowed and treated with salt. Crews are also treating medical center and campus residential areas. Roads within close proximity to campus such as Swift Avenue and Elba and Hull streets are being cleared and treated as well.
Other campus updates at this time:
- Entrances to parking facilities have been cleared and treated. Hospital employees should continue to park in closer-in garages through the weekend and on Monday. Due to conditions, the Swift Shuttle and Lancaster Commons routes are suspended. For real-time bus route changes, check Duke TransLoc.
- Some dining locations are operating under adjusted hours.
The COVID-19 surveillance test site for students, faculty, and staff will remain open as scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and during regular hours on Monday. See the Duke United website for the full schedule.
Cheer on the Duke women's basketball team on the ACC Network; the Blue Devils game against NC State is still on for 4 p.m. in Raleigh.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates as conditions warrant.
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Severe Weather Policy Extended to 7 p.m. Monday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/16 at 1:35 pm
Due to expected icy conditions tonight and tomorrow morning, the severe weather and emergency conditions policy for Duke University and Duke University Health System will be extended until 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, after which normal operations will resume.
Updates about Duke Heath Clinic hours of operation for Monday will be posted on the Duke Health website.
All staff in “Essential Service" positions should continue to report to work or remain at work when the policy is in effect.
Freezing rain should transition to rain late Sunday afternoon and evening before ending tonight. Crews on campus are clearing and treating roads and building entrances with salt to reduce the possibility of refreezing.
Strong wind gusts are expected in the afternoon, which could result in downed trees and power outages. In the event of any downed trees or power lines, contact Duke Police at 919-684-2444. For any power outages for Duke facilities on or off campus, please call Facilities Management customer service 919-684-2122.
Students, faculty, and staff should use the roads, sidewalks, parking lots and building entrances indicated on the priority clearing map to determine the preferred paths of travel as all areas may not be cleared yet. Members of the Duke community should use extreme caution when traveling to and around campus in case there are icy spots.
For the latest updates on all surveillance testing site, dining facilities, bus routes, parking lots, and stores, visit the DukeALERT website.
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Sunday Evening Services Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/16 at 4:38 pm
With a winter storm warning in effect until midnight Sunday, here are some campus updates this evening:
- Due to road conditions, the C1 East-West bus will end service at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check real-time updates at Duke TransLoc on Monday morning.
- Monday's Unity Walk, which begins at noon, also will be online-only. Join Duke President Vincent Price, Duke University Head Softball Coach Marissa Young and Duke student-athletes for the event on Zoom.
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens is closed Sunday and Monday.
- For the latest Dining hours, see the Dining website.
- Some Duke University Stores facilities will operate under modified hours on Monday. The Duke Technology Center, Textbook Store, Gothic Bookshop and University Store will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lobby Shop will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. See other Stores updates here.
Duke community members are encouraged to stay informed by checking the DukeALERT website regularly, as well as the Campus Service Updates web page, for additional updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates as conditions warrant.
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Monday Morning Services and Campus Updates
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/17 at 8:18 am
A winter weather advisory for black ice on roads is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday, which will be mostly sunny with a high near 41. Tonight's low temperature will be around 23.
Here are campus updates at this time:
- No major issues have been reported on roads, or entrances to buildings and garages.
- The C1 is running, but the LaSalle Loop and Swift Shuttle routes are delayed due to icy conditions. The Lancaster Commons bus will begin at around 1 p.m. today and run until 9 p.m., or as conditions permit. Check Duke TransLoc through today for real-time updates on transit services.
- The COVID-19 testing location at the Washington Duke Inn is open; other sites are expected to open by 9 a.m.
- The Nasher Museum of Art and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are closed.
- Some University Stores are closed as well.
- For the latest Dining location hours, see today's schedule.
Community members are encouraged to check the Campus Service Updates web page for updates on parking lots, busing routes, dining facilities, and stores.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates today as conditions warrant.
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Severe Weather Policy to End at 7 p.m. Monday
DukeALERT posted 2022/01/17 at 1:44 pm
The severe weather and emergency conditions policy for Duke University and Duke University Health System will end at 7 p.m. Monday, at which time normal operations will resume.
Staff should report for their regular shifts as scheduled after the policy ends.
The sun and warmer temperatures on Monday have helped with melting of ice during the day. Roads and walkways are in good condition on and around campus. However, individuals are encouraged to allow for extra travel time in the morning and use caution when traveling to and around campus in case of any lingering icy spots.
Any additional updates regarding will be posted on the DukeALERT website.
DukeALERT -- Tornado Warning Main Campus-Durham
DukeALERT posted 2021/03/18 at 6:41 pm
Tornado Warning Main Campus-Durham.
Seek safe location! Avoid windows/doors. Updates at http://emergency.duke.edu
A tornado has been sighted or radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado in the area near Duke's main campus in Durham.
University officials advise all members of the Duke community to seek shelter immediately.
* If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
* If you are already inside, move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
* Avoid windows.
* If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
* Protect yourself from flying debris.
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Tornado Warning Has Expired
DukeALERT posted 2021/03/18 at 7:20 pm
All clear: tornado warning has expired. Tornado watch still in effect until 9 p.m. Stay alert.
Duke Officials began monitoring a storm system with the potential for tornadic activity and significant straight-line winds on April 12, 2020. At 5:00am on April 13, a tornado watch was issued for Durham extending through 12:00pm.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 6:30am after the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning including Duke's main campus in Durham:
Tornado Warning Main Campus-Durham.
Seek safe location! Avoid windows/doors. Updates at https://emergency.duke.edu
A tornado has been sighted or radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that can spawn a tornado in the area near Duke's main campus in Durham.
University officials advise all members of the Duke community to seek shelter immediately.
- If you are outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
- If you are already inside, move to an interior room on the lowest floor.
- Avoid windows.
- If no shelter is available, lie down in a low-lying area.
- Protect yourself from flying debris.
The outdoor warning sirens were also activated.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 7:15am after the National Weather Service's Tornado Warning expired:
The tornado warning for Durham has expired. A tornado watch remains in effect until noon. Monitor https://emergency.duke.edu for updates.
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No signficant damage was reported on campus. A single tree fell on Campus Drive and was removed before noon.
Duke Officials began monitoring a forecast for snow on Duke's campus on February 19, 2020. By the afternoon of February 19, forecasts indicated that a mix of snow, sleet, and rain could produce icy conditions on roadways in the early morning.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 7:35pm on Febraury 19 after Duke Officials decided to activate the Severe Weather Policy for 7:00am-10:00am on February 20:
The severe weather and emergency conditions policy for Duke University and Duke University Health System will be in effect Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Classes that begin before 10 a.m. will be canceled. Essential staff should report to work or remain at work while the policy is in effect.
Duke Health has posted changes in operating hours to many clinics and other facilities. Visit the Duke Health website for details.
Snow is projected to continue end early Friday morning. Temperatures will drop below freezing after midnight, which could lead to icy patches on roads and walkways. Please plan ahead and allow extra time and use caution when traveling to and around campus during this time.
Crews will rope off most external stairs and steep inclines for safety, and members of the Duke community are encouraged to use the priority paths and entrances during severe weather, which may differ from normal routes of travel.
Crews will be on-site in the early morning hours Friday to address any problem areas as needed.
For more information about the severe weather and emergency conditions policy, visit the Human Resources website.
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An update on campus service hours was posted at 8:41pm on February 19 on the DukeALERT website:
The following updates for campus operations and services are reported at this time:
- The Marketplace on East Campus will be open for breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Friday. Lunch and dinner hours are expected to be as scheduled. The latest hours for all campus eateries can be found here.
- At this time, Duke transit routes are operating as scheduled. Before heading out Friday morning, check TransLoc.
- Wilson and Brodie recreation centers will close at 11 p.m. Thursday night and will be open as scheduled on Friday. Visit the Duke Recreation website in the morning for any updates.
- Due to severe winter weather, many Duke Health clinics will delay their opening until 10 a.m. on Friday. All hospital-based clinics will operate on a normal schedule. Check a clinic here.
- All Duke Stores locations will open at 10 a.m. on Friday and resume regular operations.
Follow Working@Duke on Twitter for additional updates as they become available.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 7:57am on February 20 announcing that Duke would resume normal operations at 10:00am:
Duke will return to normal operations at 10 a.m. today, and classes will resume as scheduled afterward.
Crews worked late into the evening and in the early morning hours to treat sidewalks and elevated surfaces with ice melt and campus roads with salt. Contact the Facilities Snow Desk at 919-660-4280 to report any problem areas that need attention.
Temperatures will remain below freezing through most of the morning, so icy patches could exist on area roads. The sun should help melt icy patches, but Duke community members are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and use caution when traveling to and around campus this morning. Refer to the priority clearing map to determine the preferred paths of travel on campus this morning.
Parking garage entrances are in good shape, but the roofs will remain closed until later this morning to allow for melting of any remaining ice.
Buses and van routes are expected to be running on a normal frequency by 8 a.m. However, riders should continue to check Duke TransLoc before heading out Friday morning.
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No significant damage was reported on campus. Total snow accumulation was under 1 inch.
Duke Officials began monitoring a storm system with the potential for tornadic activity on February 6, 2020. A tornado watch was issued for Durham the morning of February 6, extending through 7:00pm.
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A DukeALERT was sent at 12:55pm after the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Durham county that did not include Duke's main campus:
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning in Durham County, but the warning area does not currently threaten Duke’s main campus. Officials are monitoring the storm closely and will send an update if conditions change.
If the warning area includes Duke’s main campus, the sirens will be activated and text and email notifications will direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.
Updates will be posted on the DukeALERT website: http://emergency.duke.edu
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A DukeALERT was sent at 1:40pm after the National Weather Service's Tornado Warning expired:
The tornado warning has now expired, but a tornado watch for the areas remains in effect.
The storm could still generate strong winds, heavy rains, and the possibility of a tornado.
Updates will be posted on the DukeALERT website (emergency.duke.edu) as needed.
If another tornado warning is issued, a DukeALERT email and text message will be sent. Sirens will only be activated if the warning area impacts Duke’s main campus, and members of the Duke community should then seek shelter immediately.
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No tornados were sighted and no significant damage was reported on campus.