Impending winds force class cancelations

Plattsburgh State canceled all classes after 2 p.m. at its three locations Monday because of potential high winds associated with Hurricane Sandy, according to a news release posted on MyPlattsburgh.

The main campus, the Branch Campus at Queensbury and the extension site at Hudson Valley Community College were all set to shut down. The campus shuttle service was set to close at 2:30 p.m., as well. At 3:30 p.m., Feinberg Library, the Learning Center and the main computer lab were all closed.

Hurricane Sandy was barreling up the East Coast Monday afternoon, and weather.com maps showed hurricane gusts slamming the area between Norfolk Va., and New York at 9 p.m. Another map showed that power outages were likely across the entire state, save for a small portion of northern St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton counties.

A high wind warning and a flood watch were issued by the National Weather Service in Burlington Monday morning.

The high wind warning was issued for between 2 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday. Winds were expected to be between 25 and 35 mph in the Champlain Valley and gust up to 60 mph.

The flood watch was issued for between Monday evening and Wednesday morning, though only one to two inches of rain was projected to fall.

Classes were set to run as scheduled Tuesday morning, the release stated.

But weather forced more cancelations for later in the week. The SUNYAC men's semifinal and final soccer games were moved to PSUC Friday, rather than in Plattsburgh and Oneonta Wednesday. 

Campus officials encouraged students to check their campus email and the campus’ emergency webpage for updates. However, officials warned that servers may go down during the storm, so students should check the PSUC Facebook and Twitter pages for news.

The release also listed safety and preparedness tips. They are: 

— Close and secure all windows.

— For those in the high-rise residence halls (Wilson, Moffitt, deFredenburgh, Whiteface and Banks in particular), make sure both sets of windows (outside and inside) are fully closed and locked.

— A driving rain can penetrate windows and exterior walls. Pick up off the floor any belongings that are near them. Make sure that electrical cords and devices are also off the floor.

— Once the high winds start, stay indoors.

— Have a flashlight and batteries nearby (please remember, burning candles are prohibited in all campus buildings).

— Have your toiletries, medication and a pillow and blanket ready in the event of an evacuation.

— Stay on top of your email and monitor our Twitter (@PlattsburghNews) and Facebook (Facebook.com/SUNYPlattsburgh) feeds.

— Parents are highly concerned. Please keep them informed. Note that text messages place less demand on cell phone utilities and may be the best way to get in touch with them.

— Please plan ahead accordingly. You may want to rethink trips or activities scheduled for this time.

— Weather updates are available at http://1.usa.gov/PV9Vov.

— Visit www.ready.gov for more information on how to be prepared in anticipation of the storm's arrival.

— Those who take the ferry to Vermont should note that the Lake Champlain Transportation Company suggests you sign up for text alerts by texting LCTFerries to 24587. They anticipate running the ferries on schedule but will be basing their runs on immediate conditions.

— If you need to report damage to our facilities contact Maintenance and Operations at 518-564-5019 or 518-564-5044. If you cannot get through to those numbers, call them at 518-564-5030.