Hurricane Ivan Advisory for MSU
Updated 3:40 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 16
Thursday evening classes canceled for MSU Starkville campus
Thursday evening classes at Mississippi State's main campus in Starkville have been canceled. Classes will resume at 8 a.m. Friday at the Starkville campus.
The MSU Meridian Campus is closed today and will remain closed until Monday at 8 a.m.
University officials urged employees and students to restrict travel as much as possible during the late afternoon and early evening hours on Thursday and to exercise caution when travel is necessary in view of localized flooding and potential hazards from windblown debris.
Hurricane Ivan made landfall near Mobile, Alabama at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday. The storm is veering further to the east than expected which would take it further away from Mississippi State University. Brisk winds, peaking Thursday afternoon, are being forecast for the Starkville/MSU area, with heavy rainfall likely to Friday morning. Local flooding is possible.
While classes will not be canceled (except for Thursday evening classes) at the Starkville campus, university officials urge commuting students and staff to use caution and common sense when driving to the campus. On-campus students are requested to remain on campus and limit travel as much as possible. Although university officials advise against any travel, students who find it absolutely necessary to travel should contact the Mississippi Highway Patrol travel advisory office by dialing 601-987-1211 and requesting information regarding the intended route.
The MSU Meridian Campus, which is closer to the storm track than the Starkville campus, will be closed until Monday morning.
For students living on campus, residence halls offer the best protection against the elements. The residence directors and residence assistants are trained and are knowledgeable about appropriate steps to take during an emergency.
For students living off campus, both the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local American Red Cross are available for help, along with the university. A shelter at First United Methodist Church (200 W. Lampkin Street, Starkville, 662-323-5722 ) will open at noon Wednesday with a second shelter at Starkville Church of God ( 701 S. Montgomery, 662-323-0352 ) remaining on standby to open if needed.
Local radio stations, particularly MSU station WMSV 91.1, will broadcast pertinent information from university officials (live broadcast), and this page will be updated as needed.
Students may contact the following offices with concerns or needs:
| Dean of Students | 662-325-3611 |
| MSU Police | 662-325-2121 |
| Mississippi Emergency Management Agency | 662-338-1076 |
| American Red Cross -- Local Chapter | 662-323-4621 |