Polk State is tracking Hurricane Dorian
UPDATE 5 A.M. FRIDAY: Hurricane Dorian is a Category 2 storm about 600 miles away from Florida’s coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Hurricane-force winds could reach Florida’s east coast and peninsula early next week, although it is too soon to determine where the strongest winds will occur. Regardless of the exact track of Dorian, heavy rains are expected to occur over portions of Florida and the southeastern U.S. this weekend through the middle of next week.
UPDATE 11 A.M. THURSDAY: Hurricane Dorian continues to move over the western Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to intensify to a major hurricane as it nears the U.S. mainland this weekend. Florida’s east coast and peninsula are expected to experience hurricane-force winds and heavy rain late this weekend and early next week. It is still too soon to determine the track of the storm and where the strongest winds will occur.
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Polk State is tracking Hurricane Dorian and encourages students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to stay connected for updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the College.
Polk State will continue to monitor the storm. There are no changes to College operations at this time. Updates will be provided on polk.edu and the College’s Facebook and Twitter.
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dorian was east of Puerto Rico. Based on the current forecast, confidence is increasing that Dorian will near the Florida east coast this weekend or early next week as a major hurricane. It is still too early to predict the impact this storm could have on Florida.
College officials urge students, faculty, and staff to ensure their contact information in PASSPORT is up to date to receive emergency alerts from Polk State.
Students should check under “My Details” and employees should check under “Personal” and “Change Contact Info.” Numbers entered in the “Cellular Number” field in the “Personal Information” section will be used for emergency voice and text messages.
Polk State also encourages everyone to utilize Polk County Emergency Management, Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the National Hurricane Center’s emergency plans, contacts, evacuation routes, supply-kit checklists, and other resources to assist with preparations.