Confirmed wording is transcribed character-for-character from a primary source. Use Verify this quote under each message to open that source in a new tab and compare the text yourself.
FOLLOW-UPTwitter/X
Verified verbatim·225 chars
Clemson University is continuing to monitor Hurricane Helene and its potential impacts on main campus and CU locations throughout the state.
Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm now.
Cascade same-day official @ClemsonSafety post; fxtwitter raw_text.
INITIAL ALERTTwitter/X+1d
Verified verbatim·282 chars
URGENT CU ALERT: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Clemson University upstate locations will close at 7 p.m. today, Sept. 26. Classes scheduled for Thursday evening will be e-Learning optional at the discretion of the instructor. Visit http://alerts.clemson.edu for more info.
The closure began at 7:00 PM on September 26 with evening classes made optional
Hurricane Helene was expected to bring 8-10 inches of rainfall and wind gusts of 50-60 mph to campus
UPDATETwitter/X+1d
Verified verbatim·156 chars
URGENT CU ALERT: Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Clemson's main campus is closed Friday through noon. Visit http://alerts.clemson.edu for more info.
Cascade same-day official @ClemsonSafety post; fxtwitter raw_text.
UPDATETwitter/X+1d
Verified verbatim·203 chars
URGENT CU ALERT: Clemson University's main campus is closed and will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 27. All classes scheduled for Friday are cancelled. Visit http://alerts.clemson.edu for more info.
Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts
UPDATETwitter/X+4d
Verified verbatim·207 chars
URGENT CU ALERT: Clemson University’s main campus and Upstate locations will be closed, and classes are cancelled at all statewide campuses on Monday, Sept. 30. Visit http://alerts.clemson.edu for more info.
The university faced criticism for initially planning to hold the football game against Stanford on Saturday despite surrounding damage
The extended closure reflected ongoing power and infrastructure issues in the surrounding community
UPDATETwitter/X+4d
Verified verbatim·156 chars
URGENT CU ALERT: Police non-emergency phones are not working. If you need assistance, call 864-656-6099 or 864-656-4300. If you have an emergency, dial 911.
Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts
RESOLUTIONTwitter/X+5d
Verified verbatim·250 chars
Urgent CU Alert: Clemson University’s main campus will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Classes are scheduled and should be conducted at the discretion of instructors, and staff should report to work as able. Visit http://alerts.clemson.edu for more info.
Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts
UPDATEEmail
Verified verbatim·3535 chars
University to Close Thursday at 7 p.m.
Due to impacts of Hurricane Helene, Clemson University upstate locations will close at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Classes scheduled for Thursday evening will be e-Learning optional at the discretion of the instructor. The status for all other University operations and classes on Friday will be communicated later.
Impacted Clemson University locations include:
- Main campus
- CU-ICAR
- GreenvilleONE
- University Center in Greenville
- CUBEInC
- The Center for Human Genetics in Greenwood
- The Innovation Campus and Technology Park in Anderson
- Clemson University School of Nursing at Prisma Health
ACADEMICS
Instructors have the option to decide between e-Learning or cancelling class. Instructors should clearly communicate this decision to students. For e-Learning, instructors must provide students options to make-up any missed activities. Personal safety is a priority for both students and instructors.
WEATHER INFORMATION
Hurricane Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall, high wind gusts, flash flooding and possible tornadoes to the area with the most severe weather expected Thursday night through midday Friday. Main campus and Upstate locations are expected to receive 8-10 inches of rainfall and wind gusts of 50-60 m.p.h., with some isolated areas seeing hurricane force gusts. A Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch are in effect for the Clemson area.
Stay weather aware, continue to monitor local media, have multiple ways to get alerts (especially at night) and understand watches and warnings – including CU Alerts. Continue to monitor local weather forecasts and stay informed about the developments of the storm. Tornadoes can spawn during a hurricane so know what to do if you receive a tornado warning. If you encounter flooded roadways, turn around, don’t drown. Avoid drowned trees or power lines.
STATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS
All other statewide locations should follow the same hazard decisions made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
TIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE
For faculty, staff and student workers, your supervisor is your first point of contact regarding expectations for work during a hazardous weather event. Review HR’s employee timekeeping and leave during hazardous weather guidance for more information.
TRANSPORTATION
CATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.
ATHLETICS
The kickoff time for Saturday’s football game against Stanford remains scheduled for 7 p.m. Information on adjustments to student wristband distribution will be communicated directly from the athletics ticket office.
In response to the needs throughout the state, South Carolina Highway Patrol may deploy additional personnel to affected regions. Fans traveling to Clemson are asked to be patient and plan for possible extended time getting into and out of town on Saturday.
Please follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date information.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Additional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.
Public Safety – @ClemsonSafety
Athletics – @ClemsonTigers
Campus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec
Dining Services – @ClemsonDining
Facilities – @ClemsonFacilities
Library – @ClemsonLibrary
Student Health Services – @HealthyCampus
Clemson University’s main campus will close, and classes will be cancelled on Friday morning due to anticipated severe weather caused by Hurricane Helene.
Pickens County government announced its offices will open at 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. Per South Carolina policy, when inclement weather occurs in South Carolina, state government offices and their employees/student workers will follow the same weather hazard decisions made by county government officials where the state offices are located.
Oconee and Anderson County governments have announced closures for all day Friday, therefore Clemson locations in those counties will be closed.All other statewide locations should follow the same hazard decisions made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
ACADEMICS
Friday morning classes prior to 12 noon are cancelled. For Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, instructors have the option to decide between e-Learning or cancelling class. Instructors should clearly communicate this decision. For e-Learning, instructors must provide students options to make-up any missed activities. Personal safety is a priority for both students and instructors.
TIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE
For faculty, staff and student workers, your supervisor is your first point of contact regarding expectations for work during a hazardous weather event. Review HR’s employee timekeeping and leave during hazardous weather guidance for more information.
TRANSPORTATION
CATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.
ATHLETICS
The kickoff time for Saturday’s football game against Stanford remains scheduled for 7 p.m. Information on adjustments to student wristband distribution will be communicated directly from the athletics ticket office.
In response to the needs throughout the state, South Carolina Highway Patrol may deploy additional personnel to affected regions. Fans traveling to Clemson are asked to be patient and plan for possible extended time getting into and out of town on Saturday.
Please follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date info.
INFORMATION UPDATES
Additional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.
Public Safety – @ClemsonSafety
Athletics – @ClemsonTigers
Campus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec
Dining Services – @ClemsonDining
Facilities – @ClemsonFacilities
Library – @ClemsonLibrary
Student Health Services – @HealthyCampus
Clemson University’s main campus is closed and will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 27. All classes scheduled for Friday are cancelled.
STATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS
All other statewide locations should follow the same hazard decisions made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
TIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE
For faculty, staff and student workers, your supervisor is your first point of contact regarding expectations for work during a hazardous weather event. Review HR’s employee timekeeping and leave during hazardous weather guidance for more information.
TRANSPORTATION
CATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.
ATHLETICS
The kickoff time for Saturday’s football game against Stanford remains scheduled for 7 p.m. Information on adjustments to student wristband distribution will be communicated directly from the athletics ticket office.
In response to the needs throughout the state, South Carolina Highway Patrol may deploy additional personnel to affected regions. Fans traveling to Clemson are asked to be patient and plan for possible extended time getting into and out of town on Saturday.
Please follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date information.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Additional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.
Public Safety – @ClemsonSafety
Athletics – @ClemsonTigers
Campus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec
Dining Services – @ClemsonDining
Facilities – @ClemsonFacilities
Library – @ClemsonLibrary
Student Health Services – @HealthyCampus
Clemson University’s main campus and Upstate locations will be closed, and classes are cancelled across all statewide campuses on Monday, Sept. 30.
ACADEMICS
All lecture and laboratory classes, in person and online, are canceled for Monday, Sept. 30 at all Clemson, Greenville, Charleston and Greenwood locations.
Faculty may continue research activities to meet the needs of their projects provided their facilities have power available. Please be aware and provide grace and flexibility as some staff and students may have difficulty getting to work.
STATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS
All other statewide locations should follow the same hazard decisions made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Additional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.
Public Safety – @ClemsonSafety
Athletics – @ClemsonTigers
Campus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec
Dining Services – @ClemsonDining
Facilities – @ClemsonFacilities
Library – @ClemsonLibrary
Student Health Services – @HealthyCampus
Clemson University’s main campus will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Pickens County government offices are open, and as a state agency, the University is required to follow the same opening status of county government.
Classes are scheduled and should be conducted at the discretion of instructors, and staff should report to work as able.
Timekeeping, Absences and Leave Guidance
All faculty, staff and students should understand individuals continue to face challenges with power outages. Please continue to provide grace, understanding and flexibility to each other.
Many employees have asked about documenting leave during this event. Additional guidance will be provided by the Office of Human Resources and Payroll.
Statewide Clemson locations
All Clemson statewide locations should follow the same opening status made by the county government where their office is located. A full list of delays and closings is always available on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
To check this alert, Claude (an AI) read it in full 25 separate times, independently. Each read decided whether the message answers each of the six questions and gave a short reason. A final reviewer then weighed all 25 and wrote the plain-English verdict you see when you open a row. The score (for example 22/25) is how many reads agreed; the 25 individual reads are tucked underneath if you want to check them.
Clemson University is continuing to monitor Hurricane Helene and its potential impacts on main campus and CU locations throughout the state.
Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm now.
Sourcepresent25/25
Final assessment
Unanimous: signed 'Clemson University' as the issuing institution.
Who is sending the alert and who is responding. People act faster on a message from a clearly identifiable, credible sender, such as a named department, the police, or a branded alert system, than on an anonymous notice. A branded signature counts.
See all 25 individual reads
present: Signed 'Clemson University'.
present: 'Clemson University' identifies the sender.
present: 'Clemson University' identified.
present: Signed 'Clemson University'
present: References "Clemson University" as issuer
present: Signed "Clemson University".
present: 'Clemson University is continuing to monitor'.
present: Names 'Clemson University'.
present: "Clemson University" named as sender
present: 'Clemson University is continuing to monitor'.
present: Signed 'Clemson University'.
present: Refers to 'Clemson University' itself as issuer
present: Named 'Clemson University' as the sender.
present: Names "Clemson University" directly.
present: Signed 'Clemson University'.
present: 'Clemson University' names sender.
present: 'Clemson University is continuing to monitor'.
present: 'Clemson University' named as issuer
present: 'Clemson University' named as the sender.
present: Signed "Clemson University".
present: Signed 'Clemson University'.
present: 'Clemson University' names the issuing institution.
present: 'Clemson University' named as sender.
present: References 'Clemson University' as issuer.
present: "Clemson University"
Hazardpresent25/25
Final assessment
Unanimous: names 'Hurricane Helene' directly.
What the threat actually is. A complete warning names the specific danger, such as a shooter, a fire, a tornado, or a gas leak, rather than a vague emergency, because people decide what to do based on what they are facing.
See all 25 individual reads
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' explicitly named.
present: 'Hurricane Helene.'
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named
present: Names "Hurricane Helene"
present: "Hurricane Helene" specifically named.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named.
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: "Hurricane Helene" named
present: 'Hurricane Helene' is named.
present: Names Hurricane Helene.
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene.'
present: Names "Hurricane Helene" specifically.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named.
present: 'Hurricane Helene' named
present: 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: Names "Hurricane Helene".
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: Names 'Hurricane Helene'.
present: "Hurricane Helene"
Locationpresent22/25
Final assessment
Strong majority accept 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state' as naming the location; a minority called it too vague, but the majority prevails.
Where the threat is. Saying whether danger is in a specific building, a part of campus, or area-wide lets people judge their own proximity and choose a safe direction. Without a where, a warning is hard to act on precisely.
See all 25 individual reads
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state' given.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state.'
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'
present: References "main campus and CU locations"
present: "main campus and CU locations throughout the state" given.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
absent: Only references 'main campus and CU locations' generally.
present: "main campus and CU locations"
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: References main campus and CU locations statewide.
present: Refers to 'main campus and CU locations'
present: References 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state.'
present: References "main campus and CU locations throughout the state".
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
absent: No specific location, only 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: "main campus and CU locations throughout the state".
absent: Only vague reference to 'main campus and CU locations'.
present: References 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: References 'main campus and CU locations throughout the state'.
present: "main campus and CU locations throughout the state"
Guidancepresent15/25
Final assessment
Narrow majority (about 15 of 24) read 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared' as directing recipients toward protective preparation, though many dissented that this phrase is too vague with no concrete action stated in the text itself; the majority call stands.
The protective action to take. A clear, specific instruction, such as shelter in place, evacuate, avoid the area, or run-hide-fight, drives faster and more correct protective behavior than describing the threat alone.
See all 25 individual reads
absent: Vague 'consider these tips' with no specific instruction given in text.
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm.'
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared.'
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'
absent: Only vague "Consider these tips" without specific instructions in text
present: "Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm now."
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'.
present: Tells readers to 'make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm'.
absent: vague "consider these tips", no specific protective action stated
absent: References 'these tips' without stating any specific protective action.
absent: Vaguely references preparation tips without stating any specific action.
present: Tells recipients to 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'
absent: Vaguely says 'consider these tips' without naming any specific action in the text.
present: Advises to "Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared".
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'.
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'.
absent: 'Consider these tips' is vague, no concrete action stated in text.
absent: 'Consider these tips' is vague, no explicit action listed in text
absent: Only vaguely suggests 'tips' without stating any specific action in the text.
present: "Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared" points recipients to protective preparation.
absent: Vaguely says 'consider these tips' without stating any specific action.
present: Tells readers to 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'.
present: 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm now.'
present: Tells recipients to 'Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared'.
present: "Consider these tips to make sure you are prepared"
Timeabsent0/25
Final assessment
Unanimous: no specific date or clock time is given in the message.
When the message applies. A timestamp, the word now or immediately, or a phrase like until further notice tells the reader whether the danger is current and how quickly to act.
See all 25 individual reads
absent: No specific date or time given.
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: No specific date or time given.
absent: No specific date or time given
absent: No specific time or recency term given
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: No specific time or date given.
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: no specific date/time given
absent: No clock time or date given.
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: No specific time or date given
absent: No specific date or time given.
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: No specific clock time or date given.
absent: No specific clock time or date given.
absent: No specific date or time given.
absent: No clock time or specific date given
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: No specific time or date given.
absent: No clock time or date given.
absent: No clock time or specific date given.
absent: No specific date/time given.
absent: No specific date or clock time given.
absent: no specific date/time given
Impactabsent0/25
Final assessment
Unanimous: no stated consequence or severity beyond generic 'potential impacts' language.
What the hazard could do to the people in its path. Beyond naming the threat, a complete warning conveys its potential consequences or severity, such as that a tornado can level buildings or that a leak could be explosive, so recipients grasp how much danger they are in. Research on warning message content finds that a concrete impact statement helps people personalize their risk and act sooner.
See all 25 individual reads
absent: No stated consequence or severity described.
absent: No explicit statement of potential harm.
absent: No stated potential harm or severity.
absent: No stated harm or severity
absent: No stated consequence or severity described
absent: No explicit statement of severity or consequence.
absent: No stated potential harm or severity.
absent: No specific stated consequence, only 'potential impacts' generically.
absent: no explicit statement of potential harm
absent: No stated harm or severity.
absent: No stated potential harm.
absent: No stated potential harm or severity beyond generic 'potential impacts'
absent: No stated consequence or severity described.
absent: No statement of potential harm, only that impacts are being monitored.
absent: No stated potential harm or severity described.
absent: No stated potential harm or severity.
absent: No stated consequence or severity.
absent: No stated consequence or severity of impacts
absent: No stated consequence.
absent: No stated consequence.
absent: No stated consequence or severity.
absent: No explicit statement of potential harm.
absent: No stated consequence or severity described.
absent: No stated potential harm beyond generic preparedness language.
absent: no stated potential harm or severity, only "potential impacts" generically
Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.
Hurricane Helene struck the South Carolina Upstate on the night of September 26-27, 2024, bringing what The Tiger student newspaper called 'unprecedented' conditions to Clemson and the surrounding area. The university closed at 7:00 PM on September 26 ahead of the worst weather, which arrived overnight with wind gusts exceeding 50 mph and 8 to 10 inches of rainfall. While the main campus retained power and damage was described as minimal, the broader region suffered widespread power outages and downed trees blocking roads. The university adjusted Saturday gameday operations for the football game against Stanford, delaying parking lot openings and gate times, but faced public criticism for proceeding with the game while many surrounding residents remained without power. Classes were ultimately canceled through Monday as recovery continued.
Analysis
Key Findings
01Main campus had power and minimal damage, but the surrounding Upstate region experienced widespread outages and destruction
02The university closed for approximately four days, from Thursday evening through Monday
03Clemson faced public criticism for holding the Saturday football game while surrounding communities lacked power
04The hurricane brought 8-10 inches of rain and 50-60 mph wind gusts, with some isolated hurricane-force gusts
Outcome
While the main campus retained power and sustained minimal structural damage, widespread outages affected the broader Clemson area and Upstate region. Downed trees blocked multiple roads. The university was criticized for initially planning to hold a Saturday football game against Stanford despite the surrounding damage, before ultimately canceling Monday classes.
Provenance
Sources
Every claim on this page is meant to be checkable. Open the links below (and the Verify this quote control under each confirmed alert) to read the original university, news, or archive page yourself. Hostnames are shown so you can see where you are going; archived copies survive when live pages move or disappear. See also our methodology.
Campus Alert Archive. "Clemson University: Hurricane, September 26, 2024." Incident of September 26, 2024. Added May 2026; last updated July 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/clemson-university-hurricane-helene-2024-09-26/