The University of Tampa has cancelled afternoon and evening classes and suspended campus operations except for essential services, beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The closure is expected to last until 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, provided that Ernesto passes east of Tampa late Wednesday as it is projected to do.

Essential services include food service, security and maintenance.

All outdoor student activities, including athletic events and practices, also are cancelled, as well as classes.

No evacuation of the campus is anticipated, and the University’s approximately 3,000-student residential population will not be asked to leave. The action is being taken because the health and safety of University staff, faculty and students is paramount.

Although conditions in the tropical storm are not expected to be severe, there is a possibility of winds in the 40-mph range and up to five inches of rain.

Normal University operations are expected to resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31.