Winter Weather Advisory and Arctic Air Mass

January 19, 2025

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City and its surrounding areas, in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday, January 19, through 4 a.m. Monday, January 20, with the steadiest snowfall expected Sunday evening.

The NWS is currently forecasting total snow accumulation between 3 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts away from the coast. Expect hazardous and slippery travel conditions. 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 bringing extreme cold temperatures through Thursday, January 23. Low temperatures are expected in the single digits Fahrenheit, with wind chills reaching as low as -5 to -15° F. These conditions make buildings highly susceptible to damaging situations, such as frozen or burst pipes, particularly if windows are left open.

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.
  • Leave all radiator valves and fan coils turned on to ensure adequate heating and to avoid freezing damage. Fan coils should be set to the slowest speed setting.
  • Clear clothing or furniture away from heaters to avoid inadequate heating that may cause freeze-ups and damage.
  • Make sure all faucets are off.
  • Close fume hoods when not in use and shut down non-essential lab equipment.
  • Be careful. Safety is our priority - use caution when navigating around campus during the icy winter months.

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.

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.

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