UPD Chief Steven Moore sent out a third update to FGCU students, faculty and staff regarding Hurricane Matthew on Wednesday Oct. 5.
Classes and business operations are canceled for Thursday, Oct. 6 and Friday, Oct. 7. Normal operations are expected to resume Saturday, according to the email.
“With current forecasts, our service area is under tropical storm watches and warnings,” Moore said in the email. “Thursday weather will deteriorate as the day progresses with the worst weather expected late afternoon or evening.”
According to the email, Glade and Hendry Counties are expected to experience tropical force winds, other counties are expecting sustained winds in the 30 plus range, with gusts into the 40 mph range.
Housing will remain open, including SoVi dining. There will be no shuttle service Thursday or Friday.
Attached to the email is an Emergency Management Advisory, detailing information about the storm and how it will impact FGCU.
According to the document, FGCU is expected to experience winds from 20 to 30 mph from mid-day Thursday through most of Friday. FGCU is on the “dry side” of the storm, but heavy rains may occur.
Tropical Storm watches have been extended to the west coast of Florida including Lee County and FGCU. Watches may upgrade to Warnings as the storm progresses.
“We will continue to monitor the progress of Matthew,” Moore said in the email.
The next FGCU Advisory will be sent out on Thursday.