Campus Alert Archive
UMD

Storm with 90 mph winds knocked out campus power for about 30 hours

AI-generated · every claim is source-linked
MDpower outageemergency notificationhigh confidence
Compare →
Confirmed Threat

A severe thunderstorm with winds up to 90 mph struck the University of Maryland College Park campus around 6:00 PM EDT on July 12, 2022, knocking out all three 13.8 kV feeders to the Mowatt Lane substation. The resulting campus-wide power outage lasted approximately 30 hours and forced UMD to cancel all in-person and remote classes and operations on Wednesday, July 13.

Alerts
3
Response
min
Killed
0
Injured
0
Institution
University of Maryland, College Park
Public R1 · MD
All UMD cases →
~41,200 studentsEverbridgeUMD Alerts
Official alert policy
Read when and how UMD says it will use UMD Alerts: summarized, quoted, and analyzed.
Documented Timeline

Alert Sequence

3 messages in sequence · 2 verified verbatim

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.

Some messages in this sequence are documented (their existence, timing, and channel are sourced) but their exact wording is not preserved in the public record. Those entries appear as placeholders; only confirmed text is displayed.

INITIAL ALERTMulti-channel
Verified verbatim796 chars
Due to severe weather in the area earlier this evening, the University of Maryland and its surrounding community are experiencing widespread power outages. Backup generators are operating to maintain key campus facilities, and Pepco is actively working to restore power. If you are currently on campus, please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways and sidewalks. We are communicating with and supporting those who are staying on campus. A decision about the status of campus operations for Wednesday, July 13, 2022, will be communicated by 5:00 a.m., once a review of power restoration and campus conditions is completed. This update will be distributed through the campus alert system via text and email and posted on the University homepage at umd.edu
Verify this quote
UMD Alerts archive — UMD Advisory: Power Outage Impact on Campus Operations (July 12, 2022)alert.umd.edufind archived copies
Verbatim body from the official UMD Alerts archive advisory dated July 12, 2022; page footer states it was sent by email and SMS via UMD Alerts.
Replaces earlier SMS reconstruction that did not match any archived official text.
Safety-resources boilerplate after the advisory body is omitted as standard footer chrome, consistent with other UMD advisory recoveries in this case.
UPDATEEmail+11h 30m
Verified verbatim479 chars
Due to power outages, University of Maryland, College Park campus will cancel all in-person & remote instruction & administrative operations for Wednesday, July 13, 2022. In-person orientation activities today are canceled. Support will be provided for those staying on campus. Telework is canceled. Administrative leave will be authorized for regular/contingent II employees. Essential personnel who report on inclement weather days must report as directed by their supervisor.
Verify this quote
UMD Alerts archive — UMD Advisory: Power Outage Impacts: Classes and Operations Canceled (July 13, 2022)alert.umd.edufind archived copies
Corrected to exact multi-paragraph body from alert.umd.edu (prior confirmed text was a single-paragraph paraphrase of the same advisory).
Telework is canceled line preserved exactly as published.
Safety-resources footer omitted as chrome.
Message elements

How the first alert is built

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.

Due to severe weather in the area earlier this evening, the University of Maryland and its surrounding community are experiencing widespread power outages. Backup generators are operating to maintain key campus facilities, and Pepco is actively working to restore power. If you are currently on campus, please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways and sidewalks. We are communicating with and supporting those who are staying on campus. A decision about the status of campus operations for Wednesday, July 13, 2022, will be communicated by 5:00 a.m., once a review of power restoration and campus conditions is completed. This update will be distributed through the campus alert system via text and email and posted on the University homepage at umd.edu

  • Sourcepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    All 25 reads agree the University of Maryland identifies itself as the sender, with Pepco referenced as the utility partner.

    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
    1. present: References 'the University of Maryland' communicating updates.
    2. present: Refers to "University of Maryland" institutionally issuing the update.
    3. present: Names 'the University of Maryland' and references 'Pepco'.
    4. present: 'the University of Maryland' identifies itself as sender.
    5. present: 'University of Maryland' issuing update on power outages.
    6. present: Speaks as University of Maryland administration.
    7. present: References 'University of Maryland' as sender.
    8. present: References "University of Maryland" and campus alert system.
    9. present: 'University of Maryland' identifies itself as sender
    10. present: Names 'University of Maryland' as the sender.
    11. present: Describes 'University of Maryland' response and communications.
    12. present: 'University of Maryland' identified as issuing sender.
    13. present: University of Maryland named as issuer.
    14. present: 'the University of Maryland' names itself as speaker.
    15. present: References 'the University of Maryland' and coordination with Pepco.
    16. present: Refers to 'the University of Maryland' and Pepco.
    17. present: References 'University of Maryland' and its alert system
    18. present: 'the University of Maryland' identified as issuer, referencing 'the campus alert system'.
    19. present: Identifies the University of Maryland as the communicator.
    20. present: References 'University of Maryland' and Pepco as responders/utility.
    21. present: References 'University of Maryland' as issuer.
    22. present: 'University of Maryland' names itself as issuer.
    23. present: References 'University of Maryland' as issuer.
    24. present: Speaks as 'the University of Maryland' campus alert system.
    25. present: Speaks as 'the University of Maryland'.
  • Hazardpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that the hazard is named directly: widespread power outages caused by severe weather.

    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
    1. present: States 'widespread power outages' due to severe weather.
    2. present: States "widespread power outages" from severe weather.
    3. present: 'widespread power outages' due to 'severe weather'.
    4. present: 'widespread power outages' names the hazard.
    5. present: States 'widespread power outages' from 'severe weather'.
    6. present: Names "widespread power outages" from severe weather.
    7. present: Names 'widespread power outages'.
    8. present: States "widespread power outages" from severe weather.
    9. present: 'widespread power outages' names the hazard
    10. present: States 'widespread power outages' due to severe weather.
    11. present: States 'severe weather' causing 'widespread power outages'.
    12. present: 'widespread power outages' names the hazard.
    13. present: 'widespread power outages' names the hazard.
    14. present: States 'widespread power outages' from severe weather.
    15. present: Names 'widespread power outages' as the hazard.
    16. present: Names 'severe weather' causing 'widespread power outages'.
    17. present: States 'widespread power outages' due to 'severe weather'
    18. present: 'widespread power outages' due to severe weather names the hazard.
    19. present: Names "severe weather" causing "widespread power outages".
    20. present: States 'widespread power outages' specifically.
    21. present: States 'widespread power outages' from severe weather.
    22. present: 'Widespread power outages' named as hazard.
    23. present: Names 'widespread power outages' from severe weather.
    24. present: States 'widespread power outages' due to severe weather.
    25. present: Names 'widespread power outages' from severe weather.
  • Locationpresent17/25

    Final assessment

    A clear majority (17 of 25) found location given through 'on campus' and 'surrounding community'; a substantial minority of 8 felt this was too general to count as a specific place, but most treated the campus/community framing as sufficient location context.

    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
    1. present: Says 'on campus' and 'surrounding community'.
    2. absent: No specific building or address, only general campus/community reference.
    3. present: 'the University of Maryland and its surrounding community', 'campus'.
    4. absent: No specific building/street named, only general campus/community.
    5. present: States 'on campus' and 'surrounding community'.
    6. present: References campus and surrounding community.
    7. absent: No specific location named beyond general campus/community.
    8. present: References "campus" and surrounding community broadly.
    9. present: 'on campus' and 'surrounding community' name the area
    10. absent: Only broad reference to 'campus and surrounding community', no specific place.
    11. present: References 'on campus' and surrounding community.
    12. present: 'University of Maryland and its surrounding community' given.
    13. present: 'on campus' and surrounding community referenced.
    14. present: References campus and surrounding community.
    15. absent: Only general 'campus' referenced, no specific building or street.
    16. absent: Only 'campus' generally, no specific building or street.
    17. present: References 'on campus' and 'surrounding community'
    18. present: 'the University of Maryland and its surrounding community', 'on campus'.
    19. present: References "on campus" and the surrounding community.
    20. absent: No specific building named, general campus/community reference only.
    21. present: Refers to 'campus' and surrounding community.
    22. present: 'University of Maryland and its surrounding community' specified.
    23. present: States 'on campus' and surrounding community.
    24. present: References 'on campus' and the University generally.
    25. absent: No specific building or street, only 'on campus' generally referenced via caution about roadways.
  • Guidancepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    All 25 reads agree the alert instructs caution around tree limbs, fencing, and debris that may be blocking roadways and sidewalks.

    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
    1. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
    2. present: Instructs to "use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways".
    3. present: 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways'.
    4. present: 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways'.
    5. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
    6. present: Advises "please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways."
    7. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
    8. present: Advises "please use caution as tree limbs, fencing... may be blocking roadways".
    9. present: 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways' instructs caution
    10. present: Advises to 'use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways'.
    11. present: Advises caution for tree limbs/fencing blocking roadways.
    12. present: 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways'.
    13. present: Instructs caution for downed limbs/fencing blocking roads.
    14. present: Advises caution due to blocking debris.
    15. present: Advises caution regarding tree limbs and blocked roadways/sidewalks.
    16. present: Instructs to 'use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
    17. present: Instructs to 'use caution as tree limbs, fencing... may be blocking roadways'
    18. present: 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing and other material may be blocking roadways'.
    19. present: Advises using caution around debris blocking roadways.
    20. present: Instructs to 'use caution' regarding blocked roadways/sidewalks.
    21. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
    22. present: 'Please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways.'
    23. present: Advises using caution due to blocking debris.
    24. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs, fencing... may be blocking roadways'.
    25. present: Advises 'please use caution as tree limbs...may be blocking roadways'.
  • Timepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    All 25 reads agree the alert gives specific time references: 'earlier this evening,' a decision to come by 5:00 a.m., and the date Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

    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
    1. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.'.
    2. present: References "earlier this evening" and "Wednesday, July 13, 2022".
    3. present: 'earlier this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    4. present: 'earlier this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    5. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.'.
    6. present: Gives "Wednesday, July 13, 2022" and "5:00 a.m."
    7. present: States 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.'
    8. present: References "this evening" and "Wednesday, July 13, 2022".
    9. present: 'this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' give time references
    10. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.'
    11. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and '5:00 a.m.'.
    12. present: 'this evening' and 'by 5:00 a.m.' on 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' given.
    13. present: 'earlier this evening', 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    14. present: 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.' given.
    15. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and '5:00 a.m.' decision time.
    16. present: References 'this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    17. present: References 'this evening' and gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'
    18. present: 'this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    19. present: States decision comes by "5:00 a.m." on "Wednesday, July 13, 2022".
    20. present: 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.' give specific timing.
    21. present: References 'this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    22. present: 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.' given.
    23. present: States 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and '5:00 a.m.'.
    24. present: References 'this evening' and 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022'.
    25. present: Gives 'Wednesday, July 13, 2022' and 'by 5:00 a.m.'
  • Impactabsent0/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous across all 25 reads that no stated severity or consequence is given beyond describing the outage and debris hazards themselves.

    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
    1. absent: No stated severity beyond outage description; caution note is guidance not impact.
    2. absent: No explicit statement of harm or danger severity beyond the outage itself.
    3. absent: No explicit statement of harm severity, only hazards to navigate.
    4. absent: No stated consequence beyond the outage and debris fact, no severity language.
    5. absent: No stated severity beyond describing downed limbs/outages.
    6. absent: No explicit statement of harm severity beyond outages/blocked paths.
    7. absent: No stated severity beyond describing outages and hazards.
    8. absent: No explicit statement of danger or severity beyond outage description.
    9. absent: No stated severity or danger level beyond describing outages
    10. absent: No explicit severity beyond describing the outage and hazards.
    11. absent: No stated severity beyond describing outages and blocked walkways.
    12. absent: No explicit statement of danger or severity beyond outage description.
    13. absent: No stated severity beyond describing outages.
    14. absent: No stated severity of harm beyond describing hazards.
    15. absent: No explicit statement of danger or harm severity beyond blocked pathways.
    16. absent: No stated severity beyond outages and blocked pathways.
    17. absent: No stated severity of harm, just inconvenience/blocked pathways
    18. absent: No explicit statement of severity or potential harm, only caution about debris.
    19. absent: No injury or serious consequence is explicitly conveyed.
    20. absent: No explicit statement of harm beyond describing the outage and blocking.
    21. absent: No explicit statement of danger severity beyond outage description.
    22. absent: No stated severity beyond describing the outage itself.
    23. absent: No stated severity beyond outage description.
    24. absent: No stated severity beyond describing outages and hazards to caution about.
    25. absent: No stated severity beyond describing the outage itself.

Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.

About this analysis
Context

Background

On the evening of Tuesday, July 12, 2022, a wet microburst with sustained winds up to 90 mph swept across College Park. The storm took down all three 13.8 kV feeders supplying UMD's Mowatt Lane electrical substation, triggering a campus-wide blackout that lasted approximately 30 hours. More than 27,000 Pepco customers in Prince George's County lost power, nearly 400 campus trees were damaged, and UMD canceled all classes and operations on July 13. The university's evening communications were criticized by students as slow and sparse, a pattern common to incidents in which the failure mode (lost power) also disables alert infrastructure. By noon Thursday, July 14, power had been restored, roads were clear, and operations resumed. The incident renewed discussion about whether large public flagships should run their own microgrids, as UT-Austin had done to maintain power during Winter Storm Uri the previous year.
Analysis

Key Findings

Wet microburst with 90-mph winds struck campus approximately 6:00 PM EDT on July 12, 2022.
All three 13.8 kV feeders to the Mowatt Lane substation were knocked out.
Campus blackout lasted approximately 30 hours; classes and operations canceled July 13.
Approximately 400 trees damaged; 27,000+ Pepco customers in Prince George's County lost power.
Power restored by noon Thursday, July 14, 2022.
Outcome
Power was restored by approximately 12:00 PM EDT on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Campus reopened Thursday morning. Nearly 400 trees on campus were damaged. No injuries reported.
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.

  1. Official
    UMD Advisory: Power Outage Impacts: Classes and Operations Canceled
    alert.umd.edu
    archived copy
  2. Official
    UMD Advisory: Power Outage Impact on Campus Operations
    alert.umd.edu
    archived copy
  3. Official
    UMD ADVISORY: Power Outage Impacts: Classes and Operations Canceled
    alert.umd.edu
    archived copy
  4. Official
    Looking Back At The Storm of July 12th 2022 (UMD AOSC)
    aosc.umd.edu
    archived copy
  5. Student Paper
    Massive storm causes destruction across College Park, UMD campus (The Diamondback)
    dbknews.com
    archived copy
  6. News
    UMD students frustrated over lack of communications (DC News Now)
    dcnewsnow.com
    archived copy
  7. Official
    Service Outages & Impacts (UMD Facilities Management)
    facilities.umd.edu
    archived copy
  8. Official
    UMD Alerts — UMD Advisory: Power Outage Update (July 13, 2022)
    alert.umd.edu
    archived copy
Cite this case

Campus Alert Archive. "University of Maryland, College Park: Storm with 90 mph winds knocked out campus power for about 30 hours." Incident of July 12, 2022. Added May 2026; last updated July 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/university-of-maryland-storm-power-outage-2022-07-12/

Download case JSON

Alert text quoted on this page remains the work of the issuing institution; the archive is a secondary source.

Tags
power-outagesevere-stormmicroburstinfrastructure-failuremaryland2022
Added May 2026Updated July 2026Via ingestion