Additional rain is forecast for the greater Milwaukee area this weekend, with the strong likelihood of another round of severe thunderstorms Friday evening into Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has also issued a tornado watch. The university will closely monitor the impact to campus, but students, faculty and staff should anticipate additional flooding and other storm-related issues on and near campus this weekend if city storm drains overflow.
Hazardous conditions and facilities disruptions on campus will be communicated via safety alert texts and emails to the campus community. Remember to report any water-related issues to MUPD via the non-emergency number, (414) 288-6800.
Building updates
Facilities Planning and Management crews were able to permanently restore power to Carpenter Tower last night. Thank you to the residents of impacted buildings who participated in a temporary power outage yesterday evening that allowed crews to complete the work. Power was restored to all impacted campus buildings around 9 p.m. last night.
The university thanks the Facilities Planning and Management team for their around-the-clock work to remediate water damage and ensure campus remains operational.
Safety reminders as additional heavy rainfall is forecast for this weekend
All in our community are reminded to never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Even shallow floodwater is dangerous — six inches can knock you off your feet, and one foot can carry away most vehicles. Please avoid flooded areas.
Please follow these precautions to ensure your safety:
- Avoid intersections where there is standing water. Flooded intersections and related traffic disruptions on campus will be communicated by MUPD via safety alert texts.
- Avoid driving if you are able and, if you must walk outside, avoid standing water. Follow the guidance: “If you can’t see the ground, turn around.”
- Stay clear of floodwaters after the weather event. Even after water levels drop, floodwaters may contain debris, chemicals, sewage, or hidden hazards.
- Laundry facilities on campus have been particularly affected by flooding. Do not use laundry facilities with standing water on the floors.
Given the tornado watch, please monitor weather reports and listen for tornado alerts and sirens. In the event of a tornado, practice these safety measures:
- Heed tornado alerts and sirens and immediately seek shelter. In residence halls and apartments, follow your building’s tornado safety plans.
- Go to the basement, lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway or room with no windows. Go to the center of the room.
- Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands.
- Get under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag.
Watch your Marquette email and safety alert texts for updates. To receive safety alert texts, make sure your mobile phone number is up-to-date and labeled as a mobile number in MyJob (for faculty and staff) or CheckMarq (for students).
