Hurricane Safety
University officials closely monitor tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes throughout hurricane season. Detailed tracking begins early in the development of a storm.
Campus officials are in constant contact with local, county and state emergency managers throughout the storm. If a mandatory evacuation is issued for a hurricane:
- Stay tuned to local media and the W&M emergency alert page for weather alerts and emergency instructions.
- Students will be allowed 6-8 hours of safe driving time in daylight hours before the expected arrival of 40 mile per hour winds.
- Students who are not traveling to their permanent residences are expected to notify their parents of their whereabouts.
- The Reves Center will help coordinate temporary housing for those students.
- Police, other emergency responders and maintenance workers will continue to be on duty around the clock during storms.
Remember, it could take several days to provide a safe environment on campus after a major hurricane. Students should not return to W&M until they are notified campus is deemed safe.
Campus Evacuation
A wide-spread emergency, such as a severe hurricane or large-scale public health emergency, may require an evacuation of the entire campus. Understand the different types of campus evacuations:
Mandatory Evacuation
- Students are required to evacuate residence halls and leave campus for a safer location. All residence halls will be locked.
- The campus will close soon after a mandatory evacuation is issued.
- Students should implement their evacuation plans.
Available Resources for Evacuations
- W&M Parking & Transportation
- Amtrak
- SA Rideshare
- Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide During the COVID-19 Pandemic (pdf)
