Updated as of 4:57 p.m. Aug. 15 to include comment from university spokesperson Owen Covington.
Elon Alert sent out a severe thunderstorm warning on Aug. 15, which was initially in effect until 3:45 p.m. The warning advised community members to seek shelter and monitor local weather. At 3:38 p.m., an update was sent extending the warning to 4:15 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm could produce 80 mph wind gusts with ping pong ball sized hail. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for the city of Burlington with potential winds up to 70 MPH and half-dollar sized hail.
With Elon University’s move-in weekend kicking off Friday, Aug. 18, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that storms and showers will only continue through Tuesday night.
Students, parents and members of the Elon community can expect mostly clear skies and temperatures in the upper 80s from Wednesday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 20.
According to university spokesperson Owen Covington, the university’s weather policy for move-in weekend this year is to continue as planned unless there is lightning — in which case activities will be paused so everyone can seek shelter until the weather clears.
Covington also said the university has been working to refine and adapt its weather plan for the New Student Convocation scheduled to take place Under the Oaks on Saturday, Aug. 19. If necessary, convocation will be moved to the Great Hall in Global Commons and other outdoor activities will be canceled. The final decision will be made Saturday morning if there is bad weather in the forecast.