Last evening, Dillard University issued a statement about Tropical Storm Francine to students, parents, and faculty. 

Classes will be canceled on Tuesday, Sept. 10th beginning at noon and then canceled completely Wednesday, September 11th. Classes are to resume asynchronously virtually on Thursday, the 12th, and Friday the 13th. Students are expected to return to in-person instruction Monday, Sept. 16th.

As of this morning, the storm is now expected to make landfall remaining a category 1 tropical storm on Wednesday, Sept. 11th. New Orleans residents can expect extensive rainfall of about 3 to 6 inches, significant winds of up to 45 mph, and isolated tornado activity. There’s currently a flood watch and a storm surge (coastal flood generated by storms & excessive rain) watch issued for the area. 

Yesterday evening, Sept. 9th, on WDSU6 News, Mayor Latoya Cantrell told New Orleans residents to prepare to shelter in place. The City of New Orleans has declared the storm as a shelter-in-place weather event and no mandatory evacuations have been ordered by local officials. 

Due to this Dillard University will be following shelter-in-place protocols, but students are allowed to evacuate if they complete the Campus Departure Form.

For students sheltering in place, it’s recommended to gather any necessary supplies (i.e. non-perishable food, water, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid, prescription/medications & a battery-operated radio), prepare for power and water outages, charge electronic devices, preserve cell phone battery life, and to stay safe and informed about the current situation.

In case of emergency call 911 and for information or non-emergency service requests call 311.