Severe Weather Alert Lifted; Campus to Reopen
6:40 p.m. Thursday, June 13
The severe weather threat for Wicomico County is over. According to the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services, the severe weather is offshore and out of the area. There will be lingering showers until 8 p.m. this evening.
The SU campus will reopen at 11 p.m. tonight. All employees should report as scheduled. On Friday, June 14, classes begin at regular times and offices resume normal hours.
The University is appreciative of those essential personnel and others who worked to maintain the campus during the storms.
3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 13
The Salisbury University Police Department received the following severe weather update from the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services:
Isolated thunderstorm activity is expected for Wicomico County between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. These storms could be severe, producing wind gusts of 60-70 M.P.H., hail one inch in diameter and rainfall of one or more inches. There is a low risk of isolated tornadoes.
University Police is continuing to monitor this storm and will continue to update the campus community.
12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13
Salisbury University is closing at 3 p.m. today, based on information provided by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services about the pending storm system. All essential employees must report.
Classes scheduled to begin at or after 3 p.m. today are canceled. This afternoon’s check-in events for the Harmony College East conference are still expected to continue as planned. All SU employees who are involved with and assigned to work these activities are considered essential, and should remain on campus and report as expected.
The University’s estimated re-opening time is 11 p.m. for all non-essential employees. An update about the exact time will be provided after the storm passes.
According to the latest forecast provided by the National Weather Service, thunderstorm activity is expected today from mid-afternoon through late evening. The heaviest period of the storms is expected between 4-9 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe and produce large hail, damaging winds with gusts to 70+ miles per hour and isolated tornadoes. Up to one inch of rain is forecast with isolated areas of two inches.
In accordance with SU’s Policy for Emergency Conditions, non-essential employees’ time should be recorded according to the guidelines listed below.
Non-Essential NON-EXEMPT Employees (PIN and Contingent II)
*For Nonexempt employees who reported for their regular shift today: The employee shall be granted Administrative Leave from 3 p.m. until the end of the employee’s regular shift/workday.
*Nonexempt employees that already had pre-approved leave for today, or this afternoon, and previously requested the use of leave for a partial or full shift/work day are not eligible for Administrative Leave. The employee shall use the pre-approved, paid leave (i.e., annual, holiday, sick, and/or personal leave) as previously designated.
Non-Essential EXEMPT Employees (PIN and Contingent II)
*For Exempt employees who reported for their regular shift today: The day shall be recorded as a Duty Day. In accordance with SU policy, supervisors should ensure that Exempt employees satisfactorily complete the requirements of the job, which includes a typical 40 hour minimum weekly commitment for a full-time employee.
* Exempt employees that already had pre-approved leave for today, or this afternoon, and requested the use of leave for a partial or full shift/work day shall use the pre-approved, paid leave (i.e., annual, holiday, sick, and/or personal leave) as previously designated.
Essential Personnel
*Essential employees who were required to work during the hours the campus will be closed will be given pay or compensatory time equal to the amount of Administrative Leave given to non-essential employees, to be designated after this weather event and campus closing
*Essential employees who fail to report to work will not be paid for the hours the campus will be closed or for hours not worked, and may be subject to disciplinary action for failing to report to work.
*Individuals who are unsure of their positions status as essential or non-essential should check with their supervisors.
The Salisbury University Police Department is continuing to monitor the situation in conjunction with the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. Updates will be shared via email, and members of the campus community also may check the SU Web site, the SU Facebook and Twitter pages, and local media.
Students, faculty and staff who have not already signed up for SU’s emergency notification system may do so by visiting www.salisbury.edu/newsevents/fullstoryview.asp?id=3358 for instructions.
8 a.m. Thursday, June 13
SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury University Police Department has received a weather advisory from the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services regarding an approaching storm system.
Thunderstorm activity is expected from mid-afternoon Thursday, June 13, through late evening. The heaviest period of the storms is expected from 4-9 p.m. Some storms could be severe and produce large hail, damaging winds with gusts of 70+ miles per hour and isolated tornadoes. Up to one inch of rain is forecast with isolated areas of two inches.
Area residents are encouraged to monitor weather throughout the day Thursday until the storms pass. Those living in mobile homes should be prepared to relocate to secure structures if necessary. Outside items such as patio furniture, trash cans or other objects that can become flying projectiles during the storm should be secured. Travel during the storm should be limited. Remain indoors until the storm passes.
University Police will continue to monitor developments and update the campus community.