Tropical Storm Debby Updates

Due to Tropical Storm Debby’s potential impact to the Charleston region this week, Charleston Southern University will move all in-person classes to virtual learning beginning at 2 p.m. today through Thursday, August 8. An update will be provided later in the week regarding classes scheduled in-person for Friday, August 9.

Academic chairs should contact all adjuncts to inform them of this plan.

As of 2:30 p.m. today, all employees will transition to remote work for the remainder of today and through tomorrow, August 6. Only essential personnel will remain on campus. Additional information and instruction for the remainder of the week will be forthcoming from Human Resources. 

What to Expect:
Though briefly a category 1 hurricane, Debby was downgraded back to a tropical storm after making landfall today near Florida’s Big Bend region. According to the latest forecast, the storm will trek across Florida and into southeast Georgia where Debby will hit the South Carolina coast. Potentially historic heavy rainfall is expected through Saturday morning, which will result in considerable flooding along the coastal counties. More than 10” of rain is expected and severe flooding is possible. Elevated tides and storm surge will worsen flooding. There is also an elevated threat of isolated tornadoes, storm gusts up to 50 mph, and an increased threat of downed trees and power outages.

Campus Information:
In addition to offering online learning for students and faculty through Thursday, please note the following announcements:

• Rivers Library will close and reopen when classes transition back to in-person learning.
• Dining services will remain open, offering limited options due to staffing. All food will be served from the Dining Hall only.  
• The Brewer Center will be closed until classes are back on campus.
• The Campus Store will close immediately this afternoon and suspend mail services. More information to follow regarding mail service after August 6.
• All campus tours are cancelled the remainder of today through Thursday.

Quick Tips:

• Charge all devices and spare battery packs prior to the storm.
• Make sure your flashlights work and have extra batteries on hand.
• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank early.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Unplug devices prior to leaving your office or room on campus. Those who remain on campus, please note that internet connectivity and cell reception could be impacted by the storm.
  

As always, important updates will be sent via campuswide email, with urgent releases also communicated via BucAlert(the campus emergency notification system), the website, and social media as necessary. 

In the meantime, brush up on CSU’s emergency procedures in MyCSU as well as personal emergency planning with the latest Hurricane Guide here. 

Stay safe, Bucs!

Helpful Resources

Emergency: 911
Campus Security: 843-553-5896 or 843-863-7105
  

• All 2024 Atlantic tropical cyclone names
• Hurricane season in Charleston: what you should know  
• The difference between a hurricane watch or warning
• National Weather Service: outlook and impact on Charleston
• CSU’s Emergency Preparedness Plan
• CSU Security

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