Clemson University encourages students, faculty and staff to make preparations for Tuesday’s expected severe weather throughout the state of South Carolina. While specific impacts will differ across each area of the state, high winds and heavy rain are expected, as well as the potential for tornadoes. The potential for power outages, downed trees and power lines and flooding also exist in many portions of the state.
Some South Carolina counties have issued closings for Tuesday. A full list of closings is always available on the SCEMD county closings website. Per South Carolina policy, when inclement weather occurs in South Carolina, state government offices and their employees/student workers will follow the same weather hazard decisions made by county government officials where the state offices are located. Review employee timekeeping and leave during hazardous weather guidance from the Office of Human Resources for more information.
Have multiple ways to get alerts to stay informed on weather conditions and closings:
- Sign up for CU Safe Alerts and local emergency alerts. Ensure your CU Safe Alerts contact information is up to date on my.Clemson.
- Check out the webpage of your local county Emergency Management office to sign up for their alerts.
- Find local information from the National Weather Service in the Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee or Lowcountry. Tune to your local TV and radio stations for up-to-date weather information.
- Download the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s mobile app for more preparedness information.
Before the storm, double-check emergency plans, including:
- Review Your Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit. Ensure your cell phone and other devices are charged in case of power outages.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Be sure to clean up any items in your yard that may become dangerous projectiles due to high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, garden tools, decorations and toys.
- Turn Around Don’t Drown: Heavy rain can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
- If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area:
- Move indoors to a pre-designated area such as an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway, central bathroom with no windows) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
- If you’re in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or storm shelter.
As conditions change, stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and local meteorologists. They will give you the best local information about the timing of the storm and conditions in specific areas.
Guidance for supervisors during severe weather
Supervisors should remain in communication with their employees during the weather event to ensure their safety. Supervisors are also encouraged to work with their employees and provide flexible work arrangements, as weather conditions may cause work-day disruptions.