Hawk Alert: The University is adjusting classroom instruction on 1/16 due to extreme temperatures forecasted in our area. See emergency.uiowa.edu for more.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: Cold Weather Continues
Cold temperatures and wind chills remain possible throughout the week. Please stay weather aware.
A Wind Chill Advisory is in place for our area from noon on Tuesday, Jan. 16 through 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. More information.
Resources:
Operational Updates
Due to the forecast of extremely cold temperatures, the University of Iowa will not hold in-person classes on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Instructors will hold their classes via Zoom, or in rare circumstances, cancel class and cover the material at a future date.
Classes will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 17 unless otherwise announced.
University offices will remain open in accordance with the UI Policy Manual. Employees should report as scheduled, safety permitting, and communicate with their supervisor about their specific circumstances. In all cases we urge faculty, staff, and students to use good judgment and avoid serious risks during extreme weather conditions.
For additional information and FAQs, view the university’s Extreme Weather Plan and these winter weather safety tips.
You can view the most current weather information and road condition updates via:
Events
Organizers of non-academic events are responsible for communicating a cancellation for their event. Those who wish to proceed with events may only do so upon approval from applicable university leadership following procedures outlined in the university’s Extreme Weather Plan.
Campus Communication
In addition to the Hawk Alert, the following announcements and instructions have been issued:
Extreme Weather Plan
You can review the Extreme Weather Plan on the Campus Safety website. This page also includes FAQs that cover information about employee absences, special events, dining services, and transportation services.
Winter Weather Safety
Johnson County is under multiple weather warnings and watches from the National Weather Service, including a Wind Chill Watch from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning, when we could see wind chills dropping below –35 degrees at various times. These wind chills can cause frostbite in less than 10 minutes.
To stay safe and protect yourself from the dangerous temperatures, the National Weather Service recommends:
- Stay weather aware. Check the forecast regularly and plan accordingly.
- Limit your time outdoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Dress warmly and monitor local weather resources for updates.
Dress appropriately if you must go outside:
- 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: 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. 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.
- Motorist Assistance Program: UI Parking and Transportation offers free jump-start service for employees, students, and visitors parked on the main campus. Motorist assistance is offered on an as-available basis from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 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: 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.
- Facilities Management: Building operations teams monitor building conditions and landscape services teams remove snow per the campus snow removal policy during extreme weather. To learn more about this process, report an access issue, or view snow removal maps, visit the snow and ice removal procedures page.