Hurricane Ian update: FIU campuses will close at 5 p.m. today and on Wednesday, Sept. 28, due to tropical storm watch

Dear members of the university community,

South Florida is under a tropical storm watch ahead of Hurricane Ian making landfall along the west coast of Florida as a potential Category 3 storm within the next 24 to 48 hours. In an abundance of caution and for everyone’s safety, FIU campuses will close starting at 5 p.m. this afternoon and will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28. All classes are canceled, including online classes.

On-campus housing and limited dining services will remain open. Students currently living on campus are welcome to remain at university housing throughout the storm. The Student Health Clinic and FIU Health will be closed through Wednesday. Students in need of immediate services may call our 24-hour hotline at 305-348-2277 to speak with a licensed clinician. Additionally, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from any phone.

Please stay alert to communications regarding university operations beyond Wednesday.

Tropical storm-force winds between 39-73 miles per hour are possible in the area within the next 48 hours, as well as periods of heavy rain that can lead to significant flooding. Please take necessary precautions, look for downed powerlines and avoid driving through flood waters.

Members of the university community and neighbors are welcome to park their vehicles on levels 2-4 of FIU parking garages. For further information or questions, please contact Parking and Transportation’s Customer Service Center via the live chat feature at parking.fiu.edu or at 305-348-3615.

Please monitor local media and pay attention to updates from the National Hurricane Center throughout the next few days.

FIU has a communication protocol to keep the community informed about university operations during emergencies, including storms. Please look for emails, follow FIU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check FIU News and monitor local media for updates.

Storm preparation may be a new experience for many members of our university community. For tips on what to do, please visit the FIU Department of Emergency Management website or Miami-Dade County’s Hurricane Guide.

Thank you for your cooperation, and be safe.