Severe flooding on campus caused Clark Atlanta students to relocate

The Atlanta University Center community was hit with an unexpected challenge Thursday when a severe thunderstorm and flash flooding tore through Atlanta. Several local media outlets, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Fox 5 Atlanta, reported that the storm lasted for three hours and dropped two inches of rain continuously.

A student’s leg appeared to get stuck in a door during flooding inside Clark Atlanta University dorms earlier

The university said https://t.co/0Yx9u9BOxS: “All students living in residential areas affected by the floods are in the process of being transferred to new accommodation.” https://t.co/0Yx9u9BOxS pic.twitter.com/BPLhJDHtc6

– Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 14, 2023

Heavy rains caused flash flooding throughout the city, including in nearby locations and on the Morehouse and Clark Atlanta campuses. Reports and videos from students show that at least three buildings on the Clark Atlanta campus were flooded. A video clip circulated on social media showed a student’s leg stuck in the door of her dorm room. Morgan Lee, a student at Clark Atlanta, gave an interview to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the incident. Lee was assisting students in Merner Hall during the flood and gave an update on the students.

“After more people came to help, she was free, but her leg suffered significant damage, such as bleeding and fractures,” Lee told the American Jewish Committee.

Clark Atlanta issued a statement on Thursday:

“A severe thunderstorm warning was issued earlier today around 2:06 PM within Metropolitan Atlanta. The area experienced heavy rain causing some streets near the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) campus to be flooded and some residence halls to be subject to flooding.

“CAU Public Safety, Student Affairs and Facilities Management responded quickly to incidents to support students during the inclement weather. Additionally, remediation companies are currently working on campus to remove water and conduct remediation assessments. All students living in residential areas affected by the floods are in the process of relocating “We will continue to evaluate the impact of severe storm weather.”

The Clark Atlanta University Student Government Association and Royal Court will host a fundraiser to accept non-perishable food, clothing, blankets, phone chargers and more essential items for students affected by the floods.