Weather related announcements and updates
Check this page for the latest information during weather events.
Classes Canceled for Friday, Sept. 30
September 29, 2022
Due to anticipated inclement weather associated with Tropical Storm Ian, all classes scheduled for the Columbia campus for Friday, Sept. 30 are canceled, including all in-person and virtual classes. As a state agency, the university follows the delay and closing determinations of Richland County government.
Friday’s closure will not impact classes, games or other activities scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 29.
Essential campus operations like food service, housing, health services and virtual academic support services will continue throughout the closure. Essential employees are required to report to campus. Employees should check with their supervisors for additional details.
The university is dedicating all available resources to the safety and welfare of our campus community, and over the past several days, we have been in constant communication with city, county and state officials and putting appropriate plans into place.
Please exercise caution if you must travel during the storm, which is expected to be downgraded once it impacts the Columbia area. Currently, the storm is currently projected to bring 3-5 inches of rain and strong winds to the Midlands. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Monitor Carolina Alert for flash flood warnings that may impact campus. Areas that are especially prone to flooding include:
- Intersection of Main and Whaley streets
- Parking lots behind 300 Main St.
- Parking lots behind the Blatt P.E. Center
- Sumter Street under the railroad bridge
- Pickens Street under the pedestrian crossing
- Five Points
The safety of our campus community is a primary concern of the university, so please be sure to monitor sc.edu/weather, social media and Carolina Alert for updates.
Information for Students
Parking services has made adjustments to garages and available parking. See the parking announcement for more information.
Services and Hours
Blatt PE Center: closed
Carolina Food Co.: Check their social media to find hours (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
CarolinaCard: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Russell House, 1 to 4:30 p.m. remote
Postal Retail Counters at the Russell House and 1600 Hampton: closed
Postal Services campus mail: pickup at 1600 Hampton office 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Postal Student Package Pickup at the Blatt PE Center: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
University Bookstore at the Russell House: closed
Russell House University Union: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., no food trucks
Student Health Services: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
STWFC: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (flexible based on storm)
Tracking Hurricane Ian
September 27, 2022
In consultation with state and county emergency officials, the University of South Carolina is tracking Hurricane Ian as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico and the state of Florida. While it is too soon to know the storm’s impact, the current forecast is for the storm to weaken in strength as it heads into South Carolina this weekend, with the potential for heavy rainfall and wind gusts in Columbia.
At this time, we do not anticipate any class cancelations or campus closures. As a state agency, our closures are based on decisions by Richland County government offices; not local K-12 school districts. Please know that even in the rare instances of weather-related closures, normal campus services are available to students, including dining, health services and access to virtual academic support services and recreational facilities.
If conditions or the forecast should worsen, we will adjust our plans accordingly and will keep you informed. In the meantime, please be sure to monitor sc.edu/weather, social media and Carolina Alert for any updates.
You’ve made a valuable investment in your education and work hard toward earning your degree. When public safety is not at risk, we honor our obligation to you by holding classes. As always, we will work to provide flexibility to those who may need it, but please remember it is your responsibility to communicate with your instructors if you are unable to attend classes for any reason.
All students and employees are urged to register for Carolina Alert and update personal contact information at my.sc.edu/emergency. For up-to-date weather alerts and other emergency notifications, follow Carolina Alert on Twitter and Facebook.