As of Monday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m, Hurricane Ian has advanced to a Category 1 Hurricane. It has reached maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and is headed northwest at 13 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Fort Myers is predicted to feel the effects of a major hurricane.

FGCU Emergency Management and campus leadership is monitoring the progress of Hurricane Ian as it nears the Gulf Coast of Florida at a rapid pace. They have announced that classes will be canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday and that FGCU will notify campus stakeholders about Thursday operations by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

“The storm’s intensity is anticipated to grow to Category 3 or 4 status as it makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico, with most models agreeing the slow-moving storm will pass closely by Southwest Florida. However, the width and size of the storm means that the outer rainbands will begin moving into our area Tuesday afternoon. Storm models indicate that we are most likely to experience tropical-storm-force winds beginning late Tuesday evening, with the winds continuing through Thursday morning. Tornadoes and flooding, particularly of already saturated areas, are possible,” read the fifth advisory email from FGCU that was sent out Monday, Sept. 26.

Essential personnel are only allowed on campus Tuesday and Wednesday. FGCU employees and their families are not permitted to shelter in offices or buildings during Hurricane Ian.

“Residential students who will remain on campus for the duration of the storm Tuesday and Wednesday will be required to relocate to a university-designated shelter. Details about the sheltering location and evacuation protocol will be communicated directly to students who live on campus via Housing,” read the fifth advisory email from FGCU. “Food and beverage services will be provided to residential students at the university-designated shelter. SoVi Dining hours will be modified and announced later today. All other dining locations on campus will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.”

FGCU Emergency Management will be posting updates to their website and encouraging students to follow their student preparedness guide. The RAVE Guardian Eagle App allows students to add immediate family members to receive emergency university notifications through multiple devices.

Students are expected to closely watch their emails and Canvas for any announcements related to the storm and classes. Any storm-related questions can be sent to [email protected].