Coastal Storm
October 2, 2022, 6:07 pm
Dear W&M community –
A coastal storm is expected to bring more rain, wind and significant flooding to the Hampton Roads area Sunday night through Tuesday. While Williamsburg is expected to receive just about 1-1.5 inches of rain, wind gusts may reach 32 mph, which could lead to downed trees and power outages.
Additionally, Surry, James City County and York County along with other localities are under a Coastal Flood Warning from 2 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Major flooding may result in impassable roads and interruptions to public transportation, including the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. Updates on the ferry are available at 1-800-VA-FERRY.
While conditions again do not warrant closing campus, travel throughout Hampton Roads may be difficult. Employees who can safely come to work should do so. However, non-essential employees may request to work remotely, or they can use liberal leave on Monday, Oct. 3, with appropriate notice to their supervisor.
• Classes are still being held, and faculty may move classes online in consultation with their department chairs as appropriate. Faculty should relay any changes to students as soon as possible.
• Department heads should determine what staffing is needed and may authorize staff members who are able to work remotely to do so.
• For this storm, staff members do not need a remote work agreement in place to work remotely.
• Non-essential staff members may also utilize their own annual leave, comp time, overtime leave or personal leave without prior approvals.
• Essential employees should consult with their supervisors and may be required to report to campus.
For updates to dining services, visit the W&M Dining website at https://dining.wm.edu/.
No impact to Tuesday’s work modes or class schedule is currently expected, but we will update the community should that change.
We are grateful to report that Hurricane Ian had a minimal impact on our campus buildings and grounds, and we hope this storm will follow suit. Please continue taking precautions to remain safe.
Ginger Ambler, EMT Co-Chair
Deb Cheesebro, EMT Co-Chair
William & Mary
Hurricane Ian update for Friday
September 30, 2022, 10:45 am
Dear W&M community –
We continue monitoring Hurricane Ian, which is expected to make its second landfall later today in South Carolina. The latest forecast is showing a 24-hour rainfall total of 3-4 inches in the Williamsburg area, with more rain expected Sunday into Monday. High winds are still anticipated, with gusts of up to 41 mph expected later this evening.
While conditions do not warrant closing the campus, some employees may have concerns about their travel home.
- Essential employees should consult with their supervisors and may be required to remain on-campus.
- As of noon, non-essential employees have the option to work remotely or use leave.
- Department heads should determine what staffing is needed for offices this afternoon.
- As much as possible, supervisors should authorize staff members who are able to work remotely to do so.
- For this event, staff members do not need a remote work agreement in place to work remotely.
- Non-essential staff members may also utilize their own annual leave, comp time, overtime leave or personal leave without prior approvals.
- Classes are still being held and faculty may move classes online in consultation with their department chairs as appropriate. Faculty should relay any changes to students as soon as possible.
If you must travel during the storm, remember never drive through flooded roadways. For emergency assistance, call 911.
Thank you and please continue taking every precaution to remain safe.
Stay safe,
Ginger Ambler, EMT Co-Chair
Deb Cheesebro, EMT Co-Chair
William & Mary
Tropical Storm Ian Update
September 29, 2022, 7:51 pm
Dear William & Mary community –
The Emergency Management Team continues to closely monitor Tropical Storm Ian as it continues its progression along the East Coast with an anticipated second landfall in Charleston. S.C., tomorrow morning.
The latest forecast calls for a total of 4-6 inches of rain in the Williamsburg area with winds gusting up to 35 mph. The heaviest rains and strongest winds are expected late tomorrow morning through Friday evening.
Currently, there is no anticipated change to W&M’s operational status or class schedule. We are working to limit the storm’s effects on campus by taking such actions as distributing sandbags in flood-prone areas and securing construction materials.
Please use caution if you are driving or traversing campus on foot during the storm. If you encounter flooded roadways, never attempt to drive through them. You can check road conditions at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511.
Again, our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by this powerful storm. We will continue updating you as necessary.
Stay safe,
Ginger Ambler, EMT Co-Chair
Deb Cheesebro, EMT Co-Chair
William & Mary
Monitoring Hurricane Ian
September 28, 2022, 5:47 pm
Dear William & Mary community –
We are closely monitoring Hurricane Ian’s projected path and its anticipated impact on the Williamsburg area. The latest forecast is calling for about 6-8 inches of rain to fall over the weekend, beginning Friday afternoon. Our area may also experience strong winds, which could lead to power outages.
Those living on campus are encouraged to prepare for the storm by reviewing these procedures from residence life: https://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/documents/hurricane.pdf. Additional tips for people both on and off campus are available through the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan.
If you are planning on traveling this weekend, please review the latest weather forecast and heed any watches and warnings for your destination and the areas through which you will travel.
While the W&M campus is not expected to be in the direct path of the storm, please keep in mind that the projected track may change. The Emergency Management Team is monitoring the situation and will update the campus community as needed. If you have not yet enrolled in the university’s mass notification system, please do so at: https://personalinfo.wm.edu/.
Our thoughts are with all those who have family and friends in Florida and in other areas where the storm’s impact is being felt today. Thank you, and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Ginger Ambler, EMT Co-Chair
Deb Cheesebro, EMT Co-Chair
William & Mary