As Hurricane Michael inches closer to Florida with increasing wind speed, many colleges and universities have announced the suspension of business and classes.
According to Associated Press, the hurricane with winds of 120 mph is gaining steam in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to hit Florida beach areas on midday Wednesday.
On Tuesday, officials ordered more than 120,000 people living in Florida Panhandle to move to safer locations.
“The window of time to prepare is closing,” Florida Governor Rick Scott tweeted Tuesday. “This is a serious and life-threatening situation — don’t take any chances. If you have been told to evacuate, leave.”
The National Weather Service forecast office has warned of “widespread power outages, downed trees blocking access to roads and endangering individuals, structural damage to homes and businesses, isolated flash flooding and the potential for a few tornadoes.”
The Florida State University on Tuesday announced the closure of campuses in Tallahassee and Panama City and suspension of the bus service on the main campus till October 12. The housing and dining operations will continue at the main campus.
Other institutions have also followed Florida State and announced closures till the situation improves.
North Florida Community College, Pensacola State College , Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, University of West Florida, Northwest Florida State College will remain closed on October 9 and 10.
Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College will remain closed from October 9 till 12, with the cancellation of events and weekend classes, while Saint Leo University will remain closed on October 10 and 11.