Announcement

Winter Storm Watch - Tuesday, February 13

February 12, 2024

Dear Columbia Community:

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City and a Winter Storm Warning for counties north and west of the city, in effect from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, February 13.

The NWS is currently forecasting heavy snow possible, with total accumulations of 5 to 8 inches in the city and 9 to 12 inches in counties north and west. Expect very difficult travel conditions with impacts to tomorrow’s morning and evening commutes. When traveling tomorrow, use mass transit when at all possible, check your transportation provider’s status before traveling, allow extra travel time, and exercise extreme caution.

CAMPUS UPDATES

Campus snow removal crews are mobilized for snow removal with all campuses expected to remain accessible throughout the storm. Campus operations are anticipated to continue as normal. Your school or department may communicate other school-specific operational changes. If weather conditions prevent you from attending in-person classes, please contact your professor.

University shuttles will operate during the storm, with delays expected, for as long as conditions allow. Be sure to download the Passio Go! app for real-time bus locations and up to the minute service-related announcements. Refer to the Columbia Preparedness website and the Medical Center Operations site should new information become available that impacts you or our campus.

PREPARE FOR THE SNOW
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

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weather