University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Ian. While some uncertainty remains about the storm's exact path, here is what we know today:
A tropical storm watch has been issued for most of Northeast and North Central Florida to include Alachua County. A tropical storm watch means the National Hurricane Center believes tropical storm-force winds are possible in those areas within the next 48 hours.
A hurricane warning has been extended southward from the Anclote River in Pasco County to Bonita Beach. The warning includes the Tampa Bay area. Hurricane-force winds are expected in the warning areas beginning Wednesday morning.
Additionally, the National Hurricane Center believes there is a "danger of life-threatening storm surge along much of the Florida west coast where a storm surge warning has been issued, with the highest risk from Fort Myers to the Tampa Bay region."
UF units should monitor forecasts and be prepared to follow guidance from local officials. The UF Research and Academic Center at Lake Nona has canceled classes and closed for business from Wednesday through Friday.
Additionally, classes and all academic and student-related activities, including online classes, at the UF campus in Gainesville have been canceled Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30.
An announcement regarding other university operations and campus closures, as well as Family Weekend activities, will be made by Tuesday evening. A determination regarding the resumption of classes will be announced at a later date.
We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts as information becomes available.
Regularly check https://www.ufl.edu/ for updates.
