Florida State University closing for Hurricane Michael

TALLAHASSEE (FOX 13) - Florida State University says the main campus is among its locations that will close as Hurricane Michael approaches Florida this week.

Michael officially strengthened into a hurricane Monday morning and is expected to make landfall along the Florida Panhandle as a powerful Category 3 hurricane Wednesday. The National Weather Service says the threat of "life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and dangerous winds" is increasing along the northeastern Gulf Coast.

LINK: Track Hurricane Michael on MyFoxHurricane.com

With Tallahassee almost directly in the hurricane's anticipated path, university officials made the decision Monday morning to close the main campus and the Panama City campus for the rest of the week as of midnight tonight.

"Students are encouraged to discuss possible travel plans with family and friends. DO NOT travel into the path of the storm," a school announcement warned.

The university says students who remain will be advised to shelter in place.  Housing and dining facilities will remain open.

The school plans to return to normal operation on Monday, Oct. 15.

LINK: FSU alert website

Monday's announcement did not address Saturday's planned football game against Wake Forest University.