Weather

Flood Watch/Jan. 9 to 10

January 09, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch and High Wind Warning for parts of New York City and the surrounding region beginning 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 9 through the afternoon of Wednesday, January 10. According to the NWS forecast, two to three inches of heavy rain are expected, with the potential for widespread flooding, including flash flooding. High winds with gusts up to 70 mph are expected. Downed trees and limbs with widespread power outages will be possible. Heavy rainfall is expected to end prior to the Wednesday morning commute, but residual flooding will be possible. Please consider the timing of your commute the afternoon/evening of Jan. 9 and the morning of Jan. 10 in light of the storm’s expected timing.

Rain, windy weather, and cold temperatures may create dangerous travel conditions. The city advises limiting travel and staying inside during periods of severe weather. If you travel, exercise caution, build in extra time, and check the service status of your transportation provider before beginning your travels.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON CAMPUS

Normal operations are anticipated on campus. Transportation shuttle service and the Public Safety Evening Shuttle, operated by Via, are anticipated to operate with delays anticipated due to road conditions. The Safety Escort Program will remain operational Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning for as long as weather conditions permit.

PREPARE FOR THE STORM
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 potentially damaging high winds and heavy rain.
  • 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 is proactively clearing exterior drains and protecting areas prone to leaks. Facilities staff will also be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks. We 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 National Weather Service www.weather.gov/nyc or on Twitter @NWSNewYorkNY