Winter Storm Watch for 1/28 and 1/29

January 27, 2022

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City and its surrounding areas, in effect beginning tomorrow evening (Friday, January 28) through Saturday evening (January 29).

The NWS is currently forecasting the possibility of heavy snow, with predicted accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible in the city and surrounding areas. According to the NWS, travel could be very difficult due to the snow accumulation and wind gusts as high as 45 miles per hour, which could bring down tree branches.

Note that at this time, the NWS reports greater uncertainty than usual with the forecast. The NWS states that the track of this storm and the axis of heaviest snowfall may shift in subsequent forecast updates, possibly resulting in a lighter snowfall. The Emergency Management Operations Team is actively monitoring the situation and will keep the Columbia community informed as the forecast and conditions change.

Be sure to check the Columbia Transportation website for changes or delays to University shuttles, and refer to the Columbia Preparedness website and the Medical Center Operations site should new information become available that impacts you or our campus. Use mass transit when possible, and exercise extreme caution when traveling during the storm.

On campus, take time to secure your spaces in advance of the inclement weather to help preserve buildings, materials, equipment and data. Make sure all windows are closed securely. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your spaces—and those of others—from potential damage. If possible, please turn off computers, lights and other equipment when leaving your space. Additionally, electrical or valuable items should be moved off the floor and away from windows.

If you see an unsafe condition on campus including leaks, opened windows and doors, or other issues, please immediately contact Facilities at Morningside/Manhattanville (call or text 212-854-2222 or email [email protected]), and at the Medical Center call 212-305-HELP (4357) option 3. For students living in the Morningside residence halls, the Hartley Hospitality Desk can be reached 24/7 at 212-854-2779. We are open 24/7 and are prepared to handle your calls. 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.

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