The City of New Orleans has now called for a voluntary evacuation. Ida is now a hurricane and is predicted to become a Category 3 or 4 storm before making landfall west of us. The current forecast for our area predicts tropical storm conditions, but the concern remains a last minute shift, as well as the possibility of heavy rain far from the storm’s center.
If you are able to evacuate, I urge you to do so, especially if you live in a low-lying area. If you are staying in town, please complete your preparations as soon as possible.
Rest assured that we have ample food and water for students living on campus, and the campus itself sits on high ground with buildings that have weathered many hurricanes. Professional staff will be on hand to offer any assistance needed. We have generator power for essentials such as emergency lighting and charging of phones.
We will close non-essential campus operations at 3:30 today, but ask that everyone – supervisors and faculty – be flexible with anyone who needs to leave earlier. Our priority is your safety.
Campus dining will remain open through Sunday at 2 p.m., with grab and go meals available for pick up in the St. Charles Room on Sunday afternoon from noon to 2 p.m. The library and University Sports Complex will be open Saturday as well.
Loyola has weathered many storms in its long history and we will make it through this one as well. I am praying for everyone who will be affected.