HAWK ALERT: Winter Storm Warning 6PM Wed-6AM Sat. Hazards include but not limited to wind chill as low as -35. Protect yourself from cold. More: e.uiowa.edu.
Dec. 24 Situation Update
The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until noon today. Hazards include blowing snow with low visibility and high winds producing wind chills of -20 degrees below zero to -30 degrees below zero. Continue to monitor the local forecast for the latest updates and protect yourself from the cold.
Additional Information
The following message was sent to President's Cabinet and the Council of Deans on Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.
Please share this update with leaders within your unit and direct them to communicate plans with their staff.
President’s Cabinet and Council of Deans:
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for our area. As of this morning, accumulating snow, high winds, and a wind chill as low as -35 degrees below zero is expected. This weather is forecasted to begin this evening and will extend through Saturday morning. The greatest threat for dangerous wind chills will be Thursday and Friday.
Whenever possible, the university continues to function during inclement weather, and employees are expected to perform their job duties.
No in-person courses are underway at this time, and all online classes being offered as part of the winter session will continue as scheduled. Given the hazardous travel conditions and winter break, supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility for employees to work remotely or take leave, if possible. Please communicate directly with the Human Resources lead in your unit if you have any questions or concerns about coordinating remote work arrangements or leave options for your staff.
Supervisors in areas of essential operations should make arrangements for their staff to report safely to campus.
The UI Department of Public Safety issued a Hawk Alert this morning due the forecasted dangerously cold temperatures. As always, members of the university community should evaluate their individual circumstances and make reasonable judgments to avoid serious risks when traveling to and from campus. Employees concerned about traveling to work to perform essential tasks should contact their immediate supervisors.
You can view the most current weather information and updates via:
For additional information, view the university’s Extreme Weather Plan.
Kevin C. Kregel
Executive vice president and provost
Dec. 22 Situation Update
Dangerous wind chills continue. The NWS now expects local wind chills to dip as low as -35 to -40 degrees below zero. Continue to monitor the local forecast for the latest weather updates, protect yourself from the cold, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
Closer parking accommodations available:
Several parking facilities have been made available to all employees to use due to the extreme cold. For an updated list of parking facilities available on a first come, first serve basis on Dec. 22 and 23, see the UI Parking and Transportation website.
Dec. 22 Situation Update
The significant winter storm is expected to continue through Saturday morning. Snow is forecasted to subside in the afternoon today which could give the false sense of improving conditions. However, winds will increase tonight leading to blizzard conditions through Saturday morning. The NWS continues to monitor the possibility that blizzard conditions could occur sooner than expected. Wind chills also continue to drop to dangerous temperatures. Continue to monitor the local forecast for the most accurate weather updates and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
Dec. 21 Situation Update
Situation update: NWS has issued a blizzard warning for our area, effective from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Blizzard conditions are expected with northwest winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility to below a quarter mile at times. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as -35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Ground blizzard conditions are expected, even after the falling snow has stopped with occasional whiteouts in open and rural areas. This will be a long duration event, so plan appropriately prior to the start. Plan holiday travel around peak hours of the storm, either before or after impacts.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Dec. 21 Situation Update
Additional information regarding this week’s severe weather forecast.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in our area from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Saturday. Per the National Weather Service, the hazards for this storm include accumulating snow, high winds, and the potential for blizzard conditions. A wind chill as low as -35 degrees below zero is expected, which could cause frostbite in less than 10 minutes. The greatest threat for dangerous wind chills will be Thursday and Friday.
To stay safe and protect yourself from the dangerous temperatures, theNWS recommends:
- Limit your time outdoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your car if you must travel.
- Dress warmly and monitor local weather resources for updates.
How should I dress?
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Stay dry and out of the wind.
Campus Resources:
- NITE RIDE: a free, late-night transportation service operated by the UI Department of Public Safety, is available to all UI students, faculty, and staff from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. NITE RIDE will maintain service during severe weather within reasonable and safe practices. During extreme weather events, NITE RIDE may need to unexpectedly modify or suspend all service. To request a ride, visit: niteride.its.uiowa.edu/request/
- CAMBUS:GPS-based, real-time Cambus passenger information is available through the Transit app. It is recommended to “favorite” routes you most frequently ride so you can receive notifications of any weather-related detours or delays. CAMBUS will maintain service during severe weather within reasonable and safe practices. During extreme weather events, CAMBUS may need to unexpectedly modify or suspend all service.
- Motorist Assistance Program: UI Parking and Transportation offers a free Motorist Assistance Program for employees, students, and visitors parked on the main campus. This program is offered on an as-available basis. The service is not offered on university holidays. To request service, call 319-335-8312. Service can include battery jump starts, locating your vehicle if parked on campus, and pumping air into tires.
- Parking and Transportation Operations: UI Parking and Transportation is committed to providing a safe and accessible campus during inclement weather. To learn more about policies, procedures, detours, and services, visit their winter weather information page.
Campus events and building hours:
Organizers of non-academic events are responsible for communicating about the cancellation of their event. Please check individual building websites for adjustments to hours or operations.
Facilities Management Operations:
FM building operations teams will be monitoring building conditions and landscape services teams will be removing snow per the campus snow removal policy. To learn more about this process, report an access issue, or view snow removal maps, visit the snow and ice removal procedures page.
You can view the most current weather information and updates via:
For additional information, view the university’s Extreme Weather Plan.