Tropical Storm Laura – Update #2 – 8/21/2020
University of Florida officials are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Laura, and much remains unknown about its path. Here’s what we know today:
Tropical storm conditions are possible across portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico today through Saturday, and tropical storm warnings are in effect. Tropical storm conditions are also possible along the northern coasts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the southeastern Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Saturday and Sunday, and tropical watches are in effect.
The National Hurricane Center indicates significant uncertainty with their intensity forecast due to potential land interaction with the Greater Antilles, which could disrupt and weaken the system.
No watches or warnings are currently in place for Florida. Tropical storm-force winds are most likely beginning Monday morning in the Keys and South Florida, and then Tuesday in the Panhandle. Tropical storm watches could be issued tomorrow for the Keys and portions of South Florida.
UF units with operations in the Keys and South Florida should closely monitor the storm for potential impacts beginning Monday and should follow guidance from local officials. UF units with operations in the Panhandle should also closely monitor the storm and be prepared to follow guidance from local officials as well as initially plan for a possible hurricane landfall the middle of next week.
With many students scheduled to move to Gainesville ahead of the start of fall semester, we encourage you to monitor the forecast as you make your plans. If you are scheduled to move in to on-campus housing and need to reschedule, please contact https://www.housing.ufl.edu/residence-halls/move-in/.
No tropical warnings or watches are currently in place for Alachua County, and no operational changes are anticipated for the UF campus in Gainesville. We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.
For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center.
