October 7, 2020 - 12:30 p.m.
Dear Tulane Community:
Since yesterday’s update, the track of Hurricane Delta has shifted further west with landfall now projected to occur on Friday west of Vermillion Bay, some 120 miles from New Orleans. This track further diminishes the projected weather impact of Delta to our campuses.
According to current projections, we will begin to experience minimal impacts from Delta on Thursday with rain and light winds. Forecasters are expecting steady rain in the New Orleans area Friday morning into the afternoon with winds between 15 to 25 mph. These winds will increase to between 25 and 30 mph by late afternoon. Friday night sustained winds will be in the 30 to 40 mph range with gusts between 50 to 60 mph. Cumulative rainfall in our area will be between 2 to 4 inches, over a 48 hour period.
It is possible that Delta’s track could shift even further west in the coming days, which would reduce the impact on us even further. However, we are still taking all necessary measures to secure and prepare our campus facilities in order to shelter in place Friday evening through Saturday morning. Off-campus students are urged to make preparations, as well, including securing non-perishable food, bottled water, charging all electronic equipment and ensuring a sufficient supply of back-up batteries for flashlights and other battery powered devices.
Look for daily email updates from Tulane regarding the forecast and any changes to university operations. These updates will also be posted at tulane.edu/emergency. For information on making your personal storm preparations, please visit emergencyprep.tulane.edu/hurricanes. You can also stay updated with NOLA Ready emergency alerts at ready.nola.gov/alerts.
While the forecast has improved for those of us in the New Orleans area, we are ever mindful and concerned for our neighbors, friends and alumni in the storm-wearied southwestern portion of our state, which is now in Delta’s projected path. We continue to keep these areas, where many of our students live, in our thoughts and prayers and stand ready to assist them in any way we can.
Michael A. Fitts, President
Patrick Norton, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
