(Aug. 28, 9:50 pm) – A message to the HMS community:
Harvard Medical School will be open as usual on Monday, August 29. We understand that some commutes may be problematic; if you are experiencing difficulty getting to work tomorrow, please contact your supervisor.
(Aug. 27, 6 pm) - A message for the HMS community in preparation for Hurricane Irene:
WEATHER UPDATE
Current Warnings: Hurricane Warning (along the coast) and Tropical Storm Warning (inland)
Hurricane Irene has weakened to a Category 1 storm. Currently projected to arrive as a Category 1 hurricane and weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses southern New England. It is forecast to make landfall between Long Island and Hartford, CT on early or mid Sunday afternoon, and move through central Massachusetts as a Tropical Storm or Category 1 Hurricane. Note that while there is still some uncertainty about Irene’s exact track and timing, it is virtually certain that Irene will impact a large area of Massachusetts on Sunday.
Precipitation: Rains associated with Irene may begin as early as Saturday afternoon, with the bulk of precipitation coming Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. 3 – 5 inches of rain are anticipated for eastern Massachusetts.
Winds: The most damaging winds will be located to the right of Irene’s track. Winds in Massachusetts are most likely forecast to be Tropical Storm (39-73mph) but could still reach Category 1 (74-95mph). Exact timing of the arrival of damaging winds is highly dependent on Irene’s forward speed; Sunday morning through Sunday night are most likely. There is also a risk that Irene may spawn tornadoes Saturday night into Sunday.
HMS Communications
- Continue to check this page for updates.
HMS Operations and Facilities
- Emergency van is stocked and available for dispatch
- Emergency Response Team on-call throughout the weekend.
- Construction site contacts have been instructed to secure or remove items that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Assisting contacts with the proper storage of hazardous waste.
- Guidance to Building Operators – In the event of flooding, any ground water or storm water that enters a building should be visually checked and directed to the storm system when being discharged, unless it has been contaminated by chemicals, oils, insulation of any type, sanitary wastes or any other materials not normally associated with storm water.
NON – HMS
FEMA
- The President of the United States has declared an emergency for Massachusetts making federal aid available to Massachusetts to supplement the commonwealth and local response efforts.
State of Massachusetts
- The Governor has issued a State of Emergency for Massachusetts and is activating 2,500 National Guard troops to support emergency operations.
MWRA
- Any dewatering occurring that discharges into MWRA’s system must STOP by 3:00PM Saturday August 27 due to the hurricane. MWRA will follow up with Harvard on Mon the 29th as to when we may re-start any dewatering.
- Wastewater discharges that have holding capacity should have been pumped down Friday August 26. If possible, these systems should not be pumped out again until Tuesday.
- Wastewater discharges that can be shut-down, should be shut-down until Tuesday, August 30, ONLY if safe to do so.
(Aug. 26, 2 pm) – A message from HMS Communications to faculty, staff and students:
Preparations are underway for high winds and the potential for significant rainfall associated with Hurricane Irene. Please make sure that all windows are closed and secured prior to leaving your office, lab or dorm room. Members of the community should anticipate potential power interruptions; for those using UPS, please check configurations. Report all facility-related damage or concerns to the HMS Facilities Call Center, 617.432.1901, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
This page will be updated regularly. You can also obtain updates by calling the HMS Information Line, 617.432.6666.
Download the school’s Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF) for additional guidance.
