To the Campus Community… On the eve of returning to campus after Fall Break, many of us are concerned about weather developments pressing on the Florida Gulf Coast.

We are monitoring Hurricane Michael closely. The NWS National Hurricane Center currently has the path coming ashore around Panama City, Florida on Wednesday. It is expected to be a major Category 3 storm, with winds around 115mph. The hurricane force winds will extend out about 35 miles and tropical storm winds about 175 miles from the center. A low pressure system over the Rocky Mountains is steering the storm and is expected to turn it east just before landfall. If this occurs there should be minimal impact to Samford University. However, there is still uncertainty in the model and things could change. If the movement gains speed, a more northerly path could occur with some impact to our area.

It is important to note that weather on Tuesday and early Tuesday evening, even along the Gulf Coast, is currently expected to be calm. However, travel from Florida and South Alabama may be congested as evacuation orders are implemented. You should consider your travel plans accordingly.

At this time we expect normal operations on Wednesday. However, the safety of our students and employees is our first priority. If you are traveling for Fall Break and the storm will prevent you from returning for class or work on Wednesday, students should contact your faculty directly to make arrangements for any absence and employees should communicate with your supervisor.

We will continue to monitor the storm and provide further updates if conditions warrant. As always, this is a good time to make sure you have the Alert Samford app on your phone and that you have signed up to receive emergency RAVE notices. Both are available on Samford’s website.

Additionally, please also follow us on social media at @SamfordU for interim updates.