Weather

Winter Weather Advisory and Arctic Air Mass

January 18, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City and its surrounding areas, in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow, January 19.

The NWS is currently forecasting total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches. Expect hazardous and slippery travel conditions with impacts to tomorrow’s evening commute likely. Use mass transit when possible, allow extra travel time, and exercise extreme caution when traveling.

In addition, the National Weather Service is predicting an arctic air mass, with temperatures remaining near or below freezing across the region through Sunday night. Blustery winds this weekend are expected to lead to wind chills near zero at times. These conditions make buildings highly susceptible to damaging situations, such as frozen or burst pipes, particularly if windows are left open.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON CAMPUS

Normal operations are anticipated on campus. Transportation shuttle service and the On-Demand Evening Shuttle are anticipated to operate with possible delays due to road conditions. Be sure to download the Passio Go! app for real-time bus locations and up to the minute service-related announcements. The Safety Escort Program will operate tomorrow night should weather conditions permit.

PREPARE FOR THE SNOW AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES
Please help preserve buildings, valuables, and most importantly your own safety, by doing the following:

  • Securely close all windows, window shades, blinds, or curtains. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your space from potential damage.
  • Turn off lights, appliances, electronics, and other non-essential equipment before leaving. Electrical or valuable items should be moved off the floor and away from windows.
  • Close fume hoods when not in use and shut down non-essential lab equipment.
  • Make sure all critical equipment is connected to emergency power outlets.
  • Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
  • Review any departmental contingency plans and emergency protocols related to equipment operation.
  • Prepare for potential power outages by charging cell phone batteries and gathering supplies. If you lose power and have disability or access needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, please dial 911 immediately or Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555 (Morningside), 212-853-3333 (Manhattanville) or 212-305-7979 (CUIMC).

WHAT WE ARE DOING
Facilities staff will be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks. We also have additional staff on hand to provide a fast response to service requests and emergencies.

If you see an unsafe condition on campus including leaks, opened windows and doors, or other issues, please immediately contact Facilities. Our Service Centers are prepared to handle increased volume.

  • At Morningside/Manhattanville, call or text 212-854-2222 or email [email protected].
  • At the Medical Center, call 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3 or email [email protected]. 
  • For students living in the Morningside residence halls, the Hartley Hospitality Desk can be reached 24/7 at 212-854-2779.

To report an emergency on campus 24/7, call Public Safety at 212-854-5555 at Morningside, 212-853-3333 at Manhattanville, and 212-305-7979 at the Medical Center.

The Emergency Management Operations Team is monitoring the situation and will keep you updated by email and/or text as well as via the Columbia Preparedness site and the Medical Center Operations site should new information become available that impacts you or our campus.

For the latest information on weather and transit, please visit:

The Emergency Management Operations Team