All classes and campus operations will be closed Thursday, September 7 through Monday, September 11 in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm on its path through the Caribbean.

The University of Central Florida’s Department of Emergency Management has monitored the 185 mph Hurricane Irma with UCF administrators who decided to close the university to allow students to prepare and evacuate.

“In anticipation of Hurricane Irma’s impact, all academic programs and classes are canceled starting Thursday, Sept. 7, to allow for sufficient preparations and travel needs. Faculty and staff should report as usual on Thursday to secure their offices, research and to take care of other issues,” UCF said early Wednesday afternoon.

“The campus will close on Friday, Sept. 8 and remain closed through the weekend and on Monday, Sept. 11. University facilities will be inaccessible, with the exception of Spectrum Stadium for Friday night’s football game.”

The closure affects all homework and assignment deadlines – including online classes. Students with specific questions should contact their professors and faculty members.

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management will be closed as well.

Students in On-Campus Housing

Although university housing remains open at this time, UCF urges students who live on campus to move to safe off-campus locations by noon on Friday, Sept. 8.

Should Hurricane Irma threaten Central Florida, students who live on campus may not be able to stay in their on-campus locations and may be required to relocate to designated ride-out locations.

Students with special needs should make plans now to relocate off campus.

During a storm like Irma, the university cannot guarantee that power and water won’t be interrupted at ride-out locations. Additionally, food, water and medical assistance will be limited.

UCF will share more information about ride-out options should it be required. As a reminder, the university does not serve as a public shelter during hurricane

–

The UCF-Memphis game has been moved from Saturday at 8 p.m. to Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Hurricane Irma has escalated to a Category 5 hurricane at 185 miles per hour, five miles per hour short of the all-time Atlantic record.

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for all Florida counties and also rescinded highway weight restrictions for emergency supplies coming into the state.

The Governor suspended all tolls on Florida roadways until further notice while Irma continues.

“Finally, now is the time to prepare, not panic,” the university stated.

“Take precautions, such as developing a plan or building a hurricane safety kit, to evacuate or ride out the storm. A good hurricane safety kit should allow you to survive on your own for 72 hours and include basic survival essentials like water, food, communication tools and flashlights.”

“Your safety remains UCF’s No. 1 priority. Our Department of Emergency Management will continue to track Hurricane Irma in partnership with the National Weather Service, and we will make decisions with your well-being in mind.”

The Florida Attorney General’s Office launched a price-gouging hotline for prevent and penalize suppliers and stores from over-pricing emergency supplies such as gasoline, food, water, and more.

FEMA’s interactive flood map shows most of the UCF main campus clear of flood zones, given a 12-inch rain fall in a 24-hour period.

Stick with @UCFKnightNews for all of your UCF hurricane-related coverage.