Update from September 30, 2024, 11:30 A.M.
This morning we are glad to report that all students have been safely relocated off campus following the recent flooding. At this time, we ask that all students and parents do not return to campus to retrieve vehicles or personal belongings until further notice.
Please be aware of the following updates:
- Campus buildings are locked and currently inaccessible.
- Gas is not available in the surrounding area, making travel unsafe and unreliable.
- Traffic on roadways is delaying essential aid and supplies needed for the community’s recovery.
We will notify you as soon as it is safe to return to campus. In the meantime, please continue to follow official updates.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate this challenging time together.
Update from September 29, 2024, 4:30 P.M.
The majority of our students have left campus, and we are working to find safe off-campus lodging for the remaining students. With most students safely relocated, we are shifting our attention to assessing the condition of the college’s physical plant as we begin recovery efforts. As a reminder, there will be no classes or activities through at least Oct. 6.
We will continue to provide updates as we have more information to share.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46: 1-3, 7
Montreat College Emergency Response Team
Update from September 28, 2024, 4:30 P.M.
Montreat College students and employees,
Montreat College has canceled all classes and activities through Sunday, Oct. 6. There is now a safe route on and off campus. However, according to state and local officials, “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed, and non-emergency travel is prohibited. I-40 is impassable in multiple locations, and I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line. Traveling in this area for non-emergency purposes hinders needed emergency response.”
While staying on campus is inconvenient without power and running water, our students are safe and have access to shelter, food, and drinks. We have a limited number of functioning restroom facilities. Additional food and water supplies and a small refrigeration truck will arrive tonight to ensure we’re able to continue serving meals to those on campus. The 7:30 p.m. campus-wide curfew will remain in effect through the weekend.
We strongly encourage students to remain on campus until additional roadways can be cleared. If students must leave, they should have access to the following items:
- A reasonable amount of gas. Gas stations in the area are not able to provide fuel. Travel is slow and often requires many additional miles of detours to reach anywhere. Do not attempt to drive if you are low on gas.
- Cash. Many places cannot accept card payments due to power, internet, and cellular service issues. You will likely need cash to purchase food, drinks, or fuel.
- Reliable cell service. Due to damaged cell towers, most cellular service providers are not able to provide reliable coverage on campus or around the region.
Buncombe County Emergency Management advises students to remain on campus and not to attempt ANY travel after dark. Current road conditions can be viewed at www.drivenc.gov.
We will continue to care for the students who are on campus and are grateful to God for their continued safety and His provision. We also recognize many in our community have lost homes and property, and there is significant loss of life. Please continue to support one another in the days and weeks ahead. We covet your prayers and will provide additional updates tomorrow (9/29).
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 45:10
Montreat College Emergency Response Team
Update from September 27, 2024, 8 P.M.
Good evening, Montreat College students, faculty, staff,
We are still assessing the full impact of Tropical Storm Helene on the Montreat College campus. First of all, I am grateful for the safety of our students and employees. Everyone is safe.
I am also deeply grateful for the immediate and persistent efforts of our on-the-ground employees who are working around the clock to keep our students safe and to address the multiple issues we face.
This was an unprecedented storm and the damage to Western North Carolina and our campus is significant. In the past 24 hours, the Montreat community and our broader area has experienced significant flooding, debris, and downed trees and power lines. Many bridges and roadways have also been damaged or potentially compromised. Currently, we are expected to be without power until late Sunday night; however, we are fully prepared to continue to support students on campus until power is restored.
At the moment, approximately 450 students remain on campus. Most of our residence halls weathered the storm well and remain staffed 24/7, and our campus community continues to support one another during this time. The Howerton Dining Hall remains open for normal meal times and service.
The largest facility impact on campus was McAlister Gymnasium, which has experienced significant water intrusion that we believe may have compromised the building’s structural integrity. The building is closed while we determine next steps.
We are working closely with the Town of Montreat to assess the integrity of roads and bridges in and around campus. However, until it is deemed safe to travel, we urge everyone to continue sheltering in place. Please refrain from attempting to explore the area, as conditions remain hazardous.
To help ease the stress on an already taxed water and sewer system, we are asking everyone to make a concerted effort to conserve water. Every bit helps as we work to maintain essential services. We have implemented a curfew of 7:30 p.m. to ensure the safety of our students. In the meantime, we will continue to provide updates and resources to ensure everyone is safe.
Academically, we are canceling all School of Arts & Sciences classes Monday. We plan to resume classes via online learning Tuesday, until further notice.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and understanding.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Maurer, Ph.D.
President & CEO