The latest information and details for the University community about campus emergencies and other incidents.

Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:40 A.M. EST

Note: The safety of the NC Wesleyan University community is our highest priority. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to make decisions based on their own personal safety.

WEATHER STATUS
Thunderstorms are likely late morning with dangerous weather occurring between 12 P.M. and 6 P.M. We are under a level 4 out of 5 for severe weather with winds over 70 MPH possible in the form of straight-line winds. Though the chance of small, isolated tornadoes is typically minimal, however they are rated as 7 out of 10 for tomorrow.

These dangerous cells can produce these conditions quickly. If you see or hear a rapid rise in the wind, seek shelter in the lowest portion of any sturdy structure and remain away from windows and doors. A shelter location guide is on the rear door of all residence hall rooms. Flooding is not anticipated in eastern NC.

This is not a single storm cell. This storm will consist of a series of cells moving north over several hours.

UNIVERSITY STATUS
North Carolina Wesleyan University will CLOSE at 10:30 A.M. today. The 10:20 scheduled classes are cancelled. For safety precautions, take a moment to be sure you understand the following:

• Our campus buildings are sturdy structures. Should high winds occur, follow your training and move to the center of hallways, well away from any glass. If you are on upper floors, move to the lowest floor.
• If we have significant rainfall, trees could fall because of the ground being soaked, as well as from high winds. Stay indoors for protection— flying debris, falling limbs, trees or downed power lines create significant risk.
• If we lose power loss, we will be working with Dominion Energy and the City of Rocky Mount to restore power as soon as possible. CANDLES ARE PROHIBITED IN ANY CAMPUS BUILDING. Flashlights, battery-powered lanterns or electronic devices may be used instead. If the power goes out, emergency lights at exits and stairwells will operate due to our emergency generator in all main buildings and residence halls.
• If you must go out in a vehicle, NEVER drive through a flooded road, Turn Around- Don’t Drown®.
• One of the most dangerous aspects of these types storms is their ability to spin up small, quickly forming, weak tornadoes without warning. If you hear a loud roar of wind or see debris in the air, seek immediate shelter in a low area of a structure and remain away from windows and doors.
• Areas designated for severe-weather sheltering are marked throughout campus with green lettering on white signs.
• Move your vehicle away from trees.

UNIVERSITY STATUS
We will close at 10:30 AM.
• The Provost Office will send information to faculty with instructions.
• Staff will be contacted by their supervisors with instructions, and essential personnel will be given directions.
• Resident Life will announce dining options.
• The Hartness Center, Everette Gym, TRC, Field House, and Library will be closed after 10:30.
• Please plan on staying in the residence halls and paying close attention to weather announcements from the National Weather Service, news sources, or the University.

This is the very situation that we planned and prepared for last week. Look back at those emails and make sure you KNOW where severe weather shelters are for any building you are in during this time.

FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
North Carolina Wesleyan University’s emergency response team, led by Director of Campus Safety, Wayne Sears, is continuing to closely monitor and assess the impact of this storm system. Weather updates and/or changes to this current plan will be communicated through Bishop alerts, email, social media, and ncwu.edu

Note: The safety of the NC Wesleyan University community is our highest priority.