{ "id": "2024-09-26-clemson-university-hurricane-helene", "slug": "clemson-university-hurricane-helene-2024-09-26", "institution": { "name": "Clemson University", "shortName": "Clemson", "state": "SC", "type": "public-r1", "alertSystemName": "CU Alert", "enrollment": 28000 }, "incident": { "date": "2024-09-26", "endDate": "2024-09-30", "type": "hurricane", "cleryCategory": "emergency-notification", "resolution": "confirmed-threat", "headline": "Hurricane, September 26, 2024", "summary": "Clemson University [closed at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2024](https://www.wspa.com/news/clemson-university-closed-for-hurricane-helene/), as Hurricane Helene bore down on the South Carolina Upstate with 8 to 10 inches of expected rainfall and wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. The storm swept through overnight, leaving behind [downed trees, damaged property, and widespread power outages](https://thetigercu.com/22211/news/unprecedented-hurricane-helene-hits-clemson-the-upstate/) across the region. Classes were canceled through Monday.", "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." }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "follow-up", "timestamp": "2024-09-25T14:14:36-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "Clemson University is continuing to monitor Hurricane Helene and its potential impacts on main campus and CU locations throughout the state.\n\nConsider these tips to make sure you are prepared for the impacts of the storm now.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839005600816181466", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Cascade same-day official @ClemsonSafety post; fxtwitter raw_text." ], "characterCount": 225 }, { "sequence": 2, "type": "initial", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839370028975841751", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim URGENT CU ALERT Helene closure)", "annotations": [ "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" ], "characterCount": 282, "timestamp": "2024-09-26T14:22:43-04:00" }, { "sequence": 3, "type": "update", "timestamp": "2024-09-26T18:11:58-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839427720704561514", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Cascade same-day official @ClemsonSafety post; fxtwitter raw_text." ], "characterCount": 156 }, { "sequence": 4, "type": "update", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim Friday Helene closure)", "annotations": [ "The main campus had power and minimal damage, but the surrounding area experienced significant outages", "Students and residents woke to downed trees and power lines across the region" ], "characterCount": 203, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839486606031671523", "timestamp": "2024-09-26T22:05:57-04:00" }, { "sequence": 5, "type": "initial", "timestamp": "2024-09-27T07:56:57-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "URGENT CU ALERT: 911 Emergency Lines on Main Campus are currently not working. If you need emergency assistance, please call 864-656-2222.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839635337876029554", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Verified complete alert text on https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839635337876029554; archiveUrl null.", "Official same-day cascade from @ClemsonSafety." ], "characterCount": 138, "archiveUrl": null, "confidence": "high", "lastUpdated": "2026-07-18" }, { "sequence": 6, "type": "update", "timestamp": "2024-09-28T02:46:43-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "CU ALERT: Police non-emergency phones are currently not working. If you need assistance, please call 864-656-6099. If you have an emergency, dial 911.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "characterCount": 150, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839919650580377615", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts" ] }, { "sequence": 7, "type": "update", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim Monday Helene closure)", "annotations": [ "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" ], "characterCount": 207, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840479247217160521", "timestamp": "2024-09-29T15:50:21-04:00" }, { "sequence": 8, "type": "update", "timestamp": "2024-09-30T07:28:43-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "characterCount": 156, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840715392391721437", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts" ] }, { "sequence": 9, "type": "resolution", "timestamp": "2024-09-30T17:36:54-04:00", "channel": "twitter-x", "verbatimText": "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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "characterCount": 250, "sourceUrl": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840868450417459440", "sourceDescription": "@ClemsonSafety on X (verbatim)", "annotations": [ "Cascade expansion from official ClemsonSafety Helene-period posts" ] }, { "sequence": 10, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "2024-09-26 ~14:23 (CU Alerts email)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "University to Close Thursday at 7 p.m.\n\nDue 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.\n\nImpacted Clemson University locations include:\n\n- Main campus\n\n- CU-ICAR\n\n- GreenvilleONE\n\n- University Center in Greenville\n\n- CUBEInC\n\n- The Center for Human Genetics in Greenwood\n\n- The Innovation Campus and Technology Park in Anderson\n\n- Clemson University School of Nursing at Prisma Health\n\nACADEMICS\n\nInstructors 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.\n\nWEATHER INFORMATION\n\nHurricane 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.\n\nStay 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.\n\nSTATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS\n\nAll 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.\n\nTIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE\n\nFor 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.\n\nTRANSPORTATION\n\nCATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.\n\nATHLETICS\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nPlease follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date information.\n\nADDITIONAL UPDATES\n\nAdditional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.\n\nPublic Safety – @ClemsonSafety\n\nAthletics – @ClemsonTigers\n\nCampus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec\n\nDining Services – @ClemsonDining\n\nFacilities – @ClemsonFacilities\n\nLibrary – @ClemsonLibrary\n\nStudent Health Services – @HealthyCampus", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/university-to-close-thursday-at-7-p-m/", "sourceDescription": "CU Alerts official archive", "annotations": [ "Complete text from alerts.clemson.edu" ], "characterCount": 3535 }, { "sequence": 11, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "2024-09-26 ~17:47 (CU Alerts email)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Clemson University’s main campus will close, and classes will be cancelled on Friday morning due to anticipated severe weather caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nPickens 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.\n\nOconee 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.\n\nACADEMICS\n\nFriday 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. \n\nTIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE\n\nFor 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.\n\nTRANSPORTATION\n\nCATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.\n\nATHLETICS\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nPlease follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date info.\n\nINFORMATION UPDATES\n\nAdditional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.\n\nPublic Safety – @ClemsonSafety\n\nAthletics – @ClemsonTigers\n\nCampus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec\n\nDining Services – @ClemsonDining\n\nFacilities – @ClemsonFacilities\n\nLibrary – @ClemsonLibrary\n\nStudent Health Services – @HealthyCampus", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/main-campus-closure-extended-through-friday-morning/", "sourceDescription": "CU Alerts official archive", "annotations": [ "Complete text from alerts.clemson.edu" ], "characterCount": 2655 }, { "sequence": 12, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "2024-09-26 ~22:06 (CU Alerts email)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Clemson University’s main campus is closed and will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 27. All classes scheduled for Friday are cancelled.\n\nSTATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS\n\nAll 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.\n\nTIMEKEEPING AND LEAVE GUIDANCE\n\nFor 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.\n\nTRANSPORTATION\n\nCATBus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation website and on Facebook.\n\nATHLETICS\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nPlease follow @ClemsonTigers and visit www.ClemsonTigers.com for up-to-date information.\n\nADDITIONAL UPDATES\n\nAdditional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.\n\nPublic Safety – @ClemsonSafety\n\nAthletics – @ClemsonTigers\n\nCampus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec\n\nDining Services – @ClemsonDining\n\nFacilities – @ClemsonFacilities\n\nLibrary – @ClemsonLibrary\n\nStudent Health Services – @HealthyCampus", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/clemson-closed-on-friday/", "sourceDescription": "CU Alerts official archive", "annotations": [ "Complete text from alerts.clemson.edu" ], "characterCount": 1784 }, { "sequence": 13, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "2024-09-29 ~15:50 (CU Alerts email)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Clemson University’s main campus and Upstate locations will be closed, and classes are cancelled across all statewide campuses on Monday, Sept. 30.\n\nACADEMICS\n\nAll lecture and laboratory classes, in person and online, are canceled for Monday, Sept. 30 at all Clemson, Greenville, Charleston and Greenwood locations.\n\nFaculty 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.\n\nSTATEWIDE CLEMSON LOCATIONS\n\nAll 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.\n\nADDITIONAL UPDATES\n\nAdditional information about closures or adjusted hours to specific campus services can be found through the resources listed below.\n\nPublic Safety – @ClemsonSafety\n\nAthletics – @ClemsonTigers\n\nCampus Recreation – @ClemsonCampusRec\n\nDining Services – @ClemsonDining\n\nFacilities – @ClemsonFacilities\n\nLibrary – @ClemsonLibrary\n\nStudent Health Services – @HealthyCampus", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/29/university-closed-classes-cancelled-on-monday/", "sourceDescription": "CU Alerts official archive", "annotations": [ "Complete text from alerts.clemson.edu" ], "characterCount": 1221 }, { "sequence": 14, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "2024-09-30 ~17:43 (CU Alerts email)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "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.\n\nClasses are scheduled and should be conducted at the discretion of instructors, and staff should report to work as able.\n\nTimekeeping, Absences and Leave Guidance\n\nAll 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.\n\nMany employees have asked about documenting leave during this event. Additional guidance will be provided by the Office of Human Resources and Payroll.\n\nStatewide Clemson locations\n\nAll 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.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/30/university-open-for-operations-on-tuesday/", "sourceDescription": "CU Alerts official archive", "annotations": [ "Complete text from alerts.clemson.edu" ], "characterCount": 999 } ], "context": "Hurricane Helene struck the South Carolina Upstate on the night of September 26-27, 2024, bringing what [The Tiger student newspaper called 'unprecedented' conditions](https://thetigercu.com/22211/news/unprecedented-hurricane-helene-hits-clemson-the-upstate/) to Clemson and the surrounding area. The university [closed at 7:00 PM on September 26](https://www.wspa.com/news/clemson-university-closed-for-hurricane-helene/) 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](https://news.clemson.edu/campus-community-update-sept-27/), 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](https://www.postandcourier.com/hurricanewire/clemson-stanford-helene-criticism-power-outages/article_b4d7d554-7e89-11ef-a276-f7f27bedfce5.html) while many surrounding residents remained without power. Classes were ultimately canceled through Monday as recovery continued.", "keyFindings": [ "Main campus had power and minimal damage, but the surrounding Upstate region experienced widespread outages and destruction", "The university closed for approximately four days, from Thursday evening through Monday", "Clemson faced public criticism for holding the Saturday football game while surrounding communities lacked power", "The hurricane brought 8-10 inches of rain and 50-60 mph wind gusts, with some isolated hurricane-force gusts" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Clemson University closed for Hurricane Helene (WSPA)", "url": "https://www.wspa.com/news/clemson-university-closed-for-hurricane-helene/", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "'Unprecedented': Hurricane Helene hits Clemson, the Upstate (The Tiger)", "url": "https://thetigercu.com/22211/news/unprecedented-hurricane-helene-hits-clemson-the-upstate/", "type": "student-newspaper" }, { "title": "Campus Community Update - Sept. 27 (Clemson News)", "url": "https://news.clemson.edu/campus-community-update-sept-27/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Clemson blasted for holding football game in aftermath of Helene (Post and Courier)", "url": "https://www.postandcourier.com/hurricanewire/clemson-stanford-helene-criticism-power-outages/article_b4d7d554-7e89-11ef-a276-f7f27bedfce5.html", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety X — Helene Thursday close", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839370028975841751", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety X — Helene Friday close", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839486606031671523", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety X — Helene Monday close", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840479247217160521", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety on X status 1839005600816181466", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839005600816181466", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety on X status 1839427720704561514", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839427720704561514", "type": "official-social" }, { "type": "official-social", "title": "@ClemsonSafety X cascade 1839635337876029554", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839635337876029554", "accessedDate": "2026-07-18" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety 1839919650580377615", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1839919650580377615", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety 1840715392391721437", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840715392391721437", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "@ClemsonSafety 1840868450417459440", "url": "https://x.com/ClemsonSafety/status/1840868450417459440", "type": "official-social" }, { "title": "CU Alerts official archive", "url": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/university-to-close-thursday-at-7-p-m/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "CU Alerts official archive", "url": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/main-campus-closure-extended-through-friday-morning/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "CU Alerts official archive", "url": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/26/clemson-closed-on-friday/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "CU Alerts official archive", "url": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/29/university-closed-classes-cancelled-on-monday/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "CU Alerts official archive", "url": "https://alerts.clemson.edu/2024/09/30/university-open-for-operations-on-tuesday/", "type": "official-archive" } ], "confidence": "high", "tags": [ "hurricane", "hurricane-helene", "south-carolina", "campus-closure", "power-outage", "wind-damage", "multi-day-event", "class-cancellation" ], "dateAdded": "2026-05-03", "lastUpdated": "2026-07-21", "addedBy": "ingestion" }