As everyone continues to watch the path of Hurricane Irma, people are still waiting for the hurricane to die out. While Irma may not damage Miami as badly as previously thought, it’s wreaked havoc on several other places such as the Virgin islands, Puerto Rico, and other parts of Florida. People need help for the hurricane and it is important that we send them our best.

Many UM students have been scrambling, trying to figure out what their next move will be. Students have traveled all throughout the country to avoid the hurricane. It was a sudden change as students went from doing homework assignments to not knowing where they will be staying for the next week or more. On the bright side, we have a break from classes and some students will be able to see their families again.

Not every student decided to leave Florida, however. Many Florida residents stayed as well. As the hurricane hit, they hunkered down at their home bases as they wait out Irma. Even though Miami was not hit by a category 4 or 5 Irma, there will be substantial damage in the city. Brickell, near south beach, experienced large amounts of flooding. Also, power will most likely be lost in the city for a few days due to the storm. Other cities such as Tampa may receive the brunt of the hurricane. Once the hurricane passes through Florida, however, the flooding will not necessarily stop. Because it is difficult to predict how bad the flooding will be, UM has not yet set a date for classes to resume. The earliest possible day would be next Monday, September 18th.

As if one natural disaster wasn’t enough, news broke that a tornado might also hit our University. One of the larger trees near the UM bookstore has already fallen, but hopefully our dorm rooms and our belongings in them will be safe. Good luck to everyone in Florida, and safe travels to everyone throughout the country!