September 26, 2024 6:18pm

Dear Campus Community,

Hurricane Helene is approaching Western North Carolina. Essential staff have been getting the campus ready ahead of the storm and will continue to be available throughout the next few days. Keeping everyone safe is our priority. To do so, we ask for your cooperation. Please read this email to the end; it contains important information.

Helene will be in full force later tonight and into Friday morning. We expect significant impacts. If at all possible, stay indoors. Heavy rains (strongest from 3–6 a.m., Friday) and strong winds will bring trees and limbs down (several have fallen in the past hours). The campus might lose power for several days. The Swannanoa River is expected to crest, flooding nearby areas and posing serious risk to anyone in its proximity.

We urge you to avoid trails, the river perimeter, and any low-lying area where water may pool. If roads around the campus flood, do not attempt to drive or walk through them. Doing so is risky. The most dangerous conditions tend to be present after the storm has passed.

To be as ready and safe as possible, note the following:

• We will continue to communicate through a number of channels, including email and text, and at warren-wilson.edu/weather.
• Because we cannot ensure a smooth, continuous flow of information due to common disruptions during weather events like this one, we will establish a physical, informational post for students on campus at Gladfelter. College personnel will post announcements there and will be available in person as well.
• Food Service operations have been adjusted: Because high winds are expected early Friday morning, Gladfelter Cafeteria will not open until 11 a.m. for brunch (weather conditions permitting). The Owl’s Nest and Cow Pie will be closed until further notice.
• Students on prescription medications that need refrigeration should contact Public Safety so they can provide access to a refrigerator in Gladfelter.
• Classes tomorrow (Friday) will continue online. Power and internet outages could interrupt course delivery.
• Keep your cell phones charged and your water bottles full.
• In case of a water safety emergency, the College has secured portable toilets that will be available throughout the campus. Please use those instead of restrooms if water service is interrupted. If needed, the College will provide drinking water.
• Again, do not go close to the river; avoid trails. Exercise care as you walk through campus and do not venture outside during the storm.

If you encounter issues related to the storm, please contact Public Safety at (828) 230-4592. In the case of an emergency, call 911 first.

We will do our best to update you in the morning.

Thank you,
Ricky Wisor
Chief of Public Safety & Risk Management

September 26, 2024 4:01pm

Dear Campus Community,

In the coming hours we will start to feel the brunt of Hurricane Helene. This we know: the storm will disrupt normal College operations and will create hazardous conditions. We know as well that behind the scenes administrators, faculty, staff and students have been working to mitigate the disruption Helene has and will continue to bring us.

At moments like this at Warren Wilson we rally to figure things out, face the challenges, and do all we can.  We know that we are at our best when we work, learn, and serve together. It is in our DNA. Hurricane Helene is another opportunity to come together as a community of caring. That is just what we will do. In that spirit, please take good care of yourself and others. We will continue to keep you informed.

Stay safe,
Damián J. Fernández
President

September 26, 2024 9:30am

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Thank you to those who are working to keep our campus safe and operational. Essential staff will continue to assist during this situation and in its aftermath.

As of 9 a.m. today, our campus is no longer under a Flash Flood Warning but remains under a Flood Watch until 2 p.m., Friday. We have received two reports of minor impacts to campus buildings, which are being addressed. We are experiencing no flooding on campus, and there are no current road closures in or around campus.

Please note that the rains we are experiencing are a precursor to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which are expected to begin to peak in our area at 9 p.m. tonight and last for about 24 hours. During that period we expect the heaviest rains, greatest potential for flooding, and highest winds.

As announced last night, Thursday and Friday classes will be offered in remote formats. We request your cooperation by avoiding any unnecessary consumption of College internet bandwidth during class sessions if you are on campus.

On-campus events and activities are suspended until further notice.

Prepare for the storm and any power outages by:

• Filling up water bottles;
• Charging phones, laptops and battery packs;
• Locating flashlights;
• Staying indoors, especially during periods of high winds.

We will keep you updated on campus conditions throughout the next few days.

If you encounter issues related to the storm, please contact Public Safety at (828) 230-4592. In the case of an emergency call 911.

Ricky Wisor
Chief of Public Safety & Risk Management

September 25, 2024 9:46pm

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Warren Wilson College is monitoring the developing weather situation related to Hurricane Helene. At this time, operations will proceed as follows:

• Classes will be on-line and remote for Thursday and Friday as long as internet and electricity permit.
• Non-essential work crew operations will be paused.
• All off-campus trips using campus vehicles are suspended until further notice.
• On-campus student events and activities are suspended until further notice.
• Employees should work remotely and not drive to campus. Essential personnel including Facilities, Public Safety and Center for Working Lands staff are expected to come to campus to tend to emergent needs and should contact their supervisors if there are questions. We encourage everyone to use their best judgment and prioritize their safety.
• When moving around campus use extreme caution, especially during periods of high winds, due to the danger of falling limbs and debris. Because of the potential for flooding, avoid the Swannanoa River and all water sources that may flood.
• At this time, meals in Gladfelter will continue to be provided following the usual schedule.

Please pay attention to ongoing communications from the College for additional information and instructions as the inclement weather situation develops. We expect to feel the impact of the hurricane well into the weekend.

If you encounter issues related to the storm during this time, please contact Public Safety at (828) 230-4592. In the case of an emergency call 911.

Please stay safe.

Thank you,
Ricky Wisor
Chief of Public Safety & Risk Management