UConn prepares for “superstorm” Sandy

In preparation for what federal forecasters are calling “superstorm” Hurricane Sandy, all classes are canceled on Monday, Oct. 29 at UConn campuses, excluding the Health Center, School of Social Work and Graduate Business Learning Center.

“Emergency Support Services” are required to report as scheduled, but other UConn employees are not required to work.

UConn is bracing for Hurricane Sandy – which is predicted to cause torrential rains, high winds, major flooding and power outages – by amping up its fire, police department and medical services staffing.

Dining halls will remain open and serving, and the residence halls’ emergency lighting will be activated in the event of a power outage. The campus Public Safety complex and the Infirmary have generators and will remain powered.

UConn officials advise that students and faculty charge their cell phones, fill medical prescriptions, have a flashlight handy, stay away from power lines, avoid walking through flooding and cover valuables to protect them from water damage.

As Hurricane Sandy continues to move parallel to the East Coast, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued weather warnings to all Connecticut counties. The storm is predicted to strike in New Jersey.

NOAA issued a flood watch and high wind advisory to Tolland County, which includes Storrs, for Oct. 28 to Oct. 30.

On Saturday, Gov. Dan Malloy declared a state of emergency for Connecticut. Malloy fully activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

“This storm’s heavy rain and winds, combined with the high tide, has the potential for a big impact on the entire state,” Governor Malloy said in a prepared statement. “It’s specifically drawing increased concern because of the forecasted duration, which could last up to 36 hours – longer than what we are used to in Connecticut. Please take this as seriously as we are taking it.”

Colleges across the state have closed as the storm approaches, including Albertus Magnus College, Fairfield University, Post University, Quinnipiac University, Western Connecticut State University, University of New Haven and Southern Connecticut State University, according to wtnh.com.

UConn officials will make a decision on whether to keep the campuses closed on Tuesday after assessing the weather conditions.