ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – People staying in the Towers community at the University of Central Florida were displaced Sunday as freezing temperatures impacted the chilled water system for three of its four buildings, according to UCF.
The university determined the cause of the issue in Towers 1, 3 and 4, was “a malfunction involving hallway air conditioning units that were recycling freezing outdoor air.”
UCF officials said the issue is being fixed, and some students are finally able to return home.
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Student Blake Ternasky said the flooding was concentrated in just a few rooms.
“I guess whatever busted was right outside of our rooms and not the hallway, because the flooding in the hallway, first of all, it was like two inches of water, but just those four rooms,” Ternasky said.
Ternasky, a freshman, is currently back home in Orlando, about 40 minutes away from campus, after his room in Tower 3 flooded. His was one of four rooms impacted on his floor.
He said uncertainty remains for some residents.
“So my roommate is still there, and he said there is a 50/50 chance on whether we can stay the night or not. Every other room is fine to go back into — it’s just those four,” Ternasky said.
Residents of the Towers were temporarily displaced in order for assessments to be done in surrounding buildings, UCF said in on social media. All of the buildings have since been reopened, the university followed up to say before 4 p.m.
UCF said it does not expect any further disruptions to essential utilities and that staff will continue monitoring conditions.
“Repairs are underway, and all buildings are reopened. We will work directly with residents whose rooms were directly impacted to set them up with a temporary alternative option and academic flexibility,” a UCF spokesperson said in a statement. “We do not expect any additional disruption to essential utilities or services within the buildings, but university staff will continue monitoring and addressing impact. Our priority throughout continues to be the safety and well-being of our residents. We recognize the inconvenience this caused and appreciate students’ patience and cooperation.”
Residents with housing-related concerns were directed to contact the UCF Work Control Center at 407-823-5223. Students who need to report direct damage from the incident are asked to complete a Student of Concern form by clicking here for follow-up support.