by Adam West and Hadley O’Bryan
I have heard the wind for some time now, at least 4 hours. I’m waiting for my class to start, hoping that the tempest outside will calm. The shutters jump in fear, as do I. I plug in my devices, hoping the power doesn’t go out. I get news that the lights are flickering in other parts of my student dorm, but I am too scared to turn mine on. I try to steel myself for the class that I have in one hour, and hope that I can make it.
On September 27th, Kentucky is being treated to the byproducts of Hurricane Helene, a category 4 hurricane. Many houses around Kentucky reported losing power. Even though Boyle County High School and several public colleges and high schools in Louisville closed their doors, Centre College decided to keep its open in the midst of a terrifying storm.
The sentiment being echoed across campus now is that students don’t feel safe walking to class through inclement weather. Many are asking if Centre administration has the best interest of the
students in mind when making the decision to not cancel class.
Many students have decided to brave this downpour and go to class, while others have chosen to stay inside and not risk it. Having so few commuters doesn’t lower safety concerns for students who still have to walk through high winds and heavy rains. Students are already reporting broken umbrellas, but that’s hardly the greatest danger these winds threaten.
Reports are already showing 60 MPH winds only 30 miles away in Lexington. The power in many student dorms, such as Evans, flickered on and off. There was a leak in a classroom in Olin. A sizable tree branch was felled by the massive storm, just outside of Cowan, although Centre quickly had it removed.
But just how much of a risk do falling trees pose? It’s estimated that between 1995-2007 wind-related tree fallings accounted for 407 deaths in the United States. The National Weather Service reports that in 2023 alone 36 people were killed and 164 were injured due to thunderstorm wind.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released a statement saying that, “Our two big issues are wind and rain,” emphasizing that what was seen Friday morning was just the beginning.
Just walking to class seems nearly impossible as it becomes increasingly difficult to see through the rain. Students are crossing roads while unable to see incoming cars. They are walking on slick paths and flooded streets. Wheelchair bound students and students with other mobility aids have new challenges to navigate. The chill from the rain has left many sniffling. All for one Friday of class. The question among students is, does Centre’s reputation rank over their safety?
I make the trip to my class. A few others from my hall start the journey at the same time I do. I run through the storm, getting ahead of my dormmates, losing track of them. I hope they made it. I’m a fish shot out of a barrel into an ocean. I have to cross two streets, but the cars also want out as quickly as I do. I rush by people, trundle over branches. My umbrella almost pulls me away to Oz. The trip is, thankfully, not too long, but treacherous. I just hope that the Flame was not extinguished by the rain.