News

Columbia University has canceled classes for March 21, 2018, in light of updated forecasts predicting snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour starting as early as the morning commute and total snow accumulation of 12 to 15 inches. We encourage students to check in with their professors, as some classes may be held virtually via web conference. 

Essential personnel are expected to report to work, consistent with University Policy.  Please stay safe, exercise caution and allow extra travel time.  Non-essential personnel who are able to travel safely to work are encouraged to do so, or should speak with a manager or supervisor about contingency plans if needed.  If you have a question about your “essential status,” please check in with your supervisor.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City and surrounding areas from midnight tonight until 8:00 a.m. Thursday for heavy mixed winter precipitation transitioning to heavy snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the New York City metropolitan area from 8:00 p.m. Monday through noon Tuesday. The current forecast calls for snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches and slippery road conditions, including during the morning commute on Tuesday. The Emergency Management Operations Team is actively monitoring conditions.

Due to worsening weather conditions, classes at Morningside campus and the Medical Center beginning at 4:00 p.m. or later are canceled. We expect normal operations and class schedules to resume tomorrow, Thursday, March 8.

Columbia University will be open as normal tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7.  Please note that travel conditions are expected to be difficult during the morning commute. Allow extra travel time to get where you need to go. We encourage you to use mass transit for your travel as much as is possible. Employees concerned about their commute should connect with their supervisor or department administrator.

The Winter Storm Warning for New York City and surrounding areas issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) remains active.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the New York City area as it monitors a storm approaching the city from the west. This storm is expected to impact our region late Tuesday evening into Wednesday night.

The storm is predicted to produce between 6 to 12 inches of snow accumulation. The Emergency Management Operations Team (EMOT) is closely monitoring the situation and will keep the Columbia Community informed as the storm develops.

Snow began falling during the overnight in some areas outside of New York City. On campus, a light snow has recently commenced, with forecasts suggesting hourly snowfall between 0.5 and 1 inches through the morning hours, with approximately 5 to 8 inches expected by day’s end. Columbia's grounds team has been mobilized since the overnight, prepping pathways in anticipation of the snowfall, and will be hard at work throughout the day as the snow falls.

Campus is open today. The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is closed today. For any classes or events scheduled, check with the instructor or organizer for changes or cancellations on an individual basis.

The snowfall in New York City is tapering off, although high winds causing snowdrifts can make it appear that snow is still falling.  Snow removal crews are working hard to clear pathways across campus.  Thank you to all University staff whose dedication and hard work have enabled business at the university to continue through the storm.

In New York City, the current snowstorm is expected to peak around mid-day, with snow tapering off in the afternoon, according to New York City officials.  Snow is expected to continue in other areas of the New York City region, in particular Long Island which is under a blizzard warning.

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus will be closed on January 4, 2018 due to weather conditions.  With the closure of the Lamont-Doherty campus, the shuttle bus between the Morningside and Lamont-Doherty campuses will not be operating.

The Emergency Management Operations Team (EMOT) continues to monitor conditions on campus and in the wider New York City area in anticipation of the impending winter storm. The National Weather Service forecast remains consistent with the Winter Storm Watch issued for New York City and its surrounding areas beginning tonight through tomorrow evening.  Difficult travel conditions are anticipated during the morning commute tomorrow.  Total snow accumulations are predicted to be 3 to 6 inches, with higher amounts possible in some areas.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City and its surrounding areas beginning tonight through tomorrow evening.  The storm system is predicted to bring heavy snow, freezing temperatures and high wind gusts, causing blowing and drifting snow.  Difficult travel conditions are anticipated during the morning commute tomorrow.  Total snow accumulations are predicted to be 3 to 6 inches, with higher amounts possible in some areas.  Record low temperatures are anticipated on Friday following the storm.

The Emergency Management Operations Team (EMOT) is monitoring the situation and will keep the Columbia community informed as forecasts for the Columbia area continue to develop.

There are confirmed reports of a minor explosion in the pedestrian passageway connecting the Times Square and Port Authority subway stations in Midtown earlier this morning. According to those reports, a small number of injuries have been reported, none of them life-threatening. Mayor Bill de Blasio reported at a press conference that the New York City Police Department has a suspect in custody. The police investigation into this matter is continuing.

As you may be aware, beginning Monday, July 10 through September 1, 2017, the MTA has scheduled summer repair work at Penn Station that will affect Long Island Railroad (LIRR), New Jersey Transit and Amtrak commuters. As a result, we want to encourage our faculty and staff who rely on these to plan ahead for any potential disruptions to their regular commute.