A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Lee County, including the Auburn University main campus, until 11:45 p.m. Wind gusts of 60 mph are possible with the line of storms that are approaching the area.

Those in the area should shelter in a sturdy structure until the threat passes.

A new Particularly Dangerous Situation, or PDS, Tornado Watch has been issued for Lee County, Alabama—including Auburn’s main campus–until 3 a.m. Thursday, March 18. Strong tornadoes are likely in central Alabama. Widespread damaging winds are possible with scattered gusts to 80 mph likely. Hail to 1.5 inches in diameter is possible.

A PDS Tornado Watch is rare and is issued when conditions are favorable for strong, long-track tornadoes. The Auburn Family is advised to take this situation seriously by monitoring the weather closely, having several ways of receiving alerts and being ready to seek shelter quickly if a warning is issued.

Auburn’s Emergency Operations Center is staffed and will continue to be open until this severe weather threat has passed. Further university updates can be found here.

While Auburn University’s normal operations were suspended at 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 17 amid severe weather concerns, some university services and offerings are set to close and reopen at different times.

See below for a list of those various services and their varying adjusted times of operation:

• All campus events are suspended at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and will resume at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 18.

• Tiger Transit: stopping services at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 18.

• Campus buildings: locking at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 8:30 Thursday, March 18.

• The Melton Student Center: closing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 8 a.m.

• Auburn’s Recreation and Wellness Center: closing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 18.

• Campus Dining: most venues closing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 18. Check auburn.campusdish.com for specific hours of operation.

• Auburn University Medical Clinic: closed at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 18

• Campus pharmacies: closing at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and reopening at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 18 pending campus recommendations. In case of emergencies outside of busines hours, please contact the on-call pharmacist at 334-750-1048.

• Sentinel testing: ended at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 and resuming at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 18 pending campus recommendations.

• Night security shuttle: continuing to run through the night. Service will be suspended during any of the following: high winds, hail, tornado warning.

Due to severe weather concerns, classes and normal university operations are being suspended at 3 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 17, and will resume at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 18.  Incident critical personnel may need to remain at work and should consult with their supervisor.

Severe weather is forecast to impact the Auburn area until around 7 a.m. Thursday. Please monitor the weather closely, have multiple ways of receiving warnings, know where you will seek shelter and be prepared to take action immediately. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch (conditions favorable) for Lee County, Alabama, which includes the Auburn main campus, until 7 p.m. today. It is expected that the Tornado Watch will be extended past that time.

All campus buildings, including residence halls, have designated severe weather shelter areas, which are the most suitable location in the building if a Tornado Warning (dangerous storm approaching) is issued. You are encouraged to be close to a shelter area before a warning is issued so you can get there quickly.

Greene Hall and Draughon Library are open for the duration of the Tornado Watch for those who don’t have a more suitable place to seek shelter. The Tornado Watch may last more than 12 hours, so make sure to bring supplies such as food, drinks and a cell phone charger.

Auburn University is monitoring the potential for severe weather this afternoon and into tonight and tomorrow morning. Currently, campus operations remain as normally scheduled, but any needed updates will be posted here.

The latest forecast calls for a moderate risk of severe storms for the Auburn area starting this afternoon and lasting into Thursday morning, with the greatest chance of widespread severe weather expected during the overnight hours. Strong, long-track tornadoes; damaging winds up to 80 mph; and golf-ball-sized hail are all a concern. Auburn’s Department of Campus Safety and Security advises that you plan ahead by checking your emergency supplies, knowing where you can seek shelter and how you can receive notifications. Also, make sure to keep your mobile device charged and nearby.

Should a Tornado Watch be issued for Auburn University, Greene Hall and Draughon Library will be opened for those who do not have a more suitable place to seek shelter. An AU ALERT notification will be activated only if a Tornado Warning is issued for the Auburn main campus. The Auburn Family is encouraged to make sure their contact information is up to date in the AU ALERT system.