Tornado Watch Issued Friday Until 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for much of central North Carolina, including Durham, Wake and surrounding counties for Friday until 6 p.m.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. 

In the event of a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke officials will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff.  If the warning area includes Duke’s main campus, the sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.

During a tornado watch, the weather service suggests that people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more information about Duke’s emergency response plan for tornados, visit the Duke Emergency Management website.

A host of events and activities are planned on Duke’s main campus as part of commencement weekend. Officials have taken precautions around planned outdoor activities for this afternoon and evening.