Winter Storm Update, Friday 2/8/2013, 4:00 p.m.

As the storm intensifies, we urge all members of the Columbia community to stay informed about conditions, keep windows closed and remain indoors if possible in light of predicted high winds and blizzard-like conditions.

This afternoon, because of potentially hazardous commuting conditions,University leadership encourages departments to release non-essential personnel beginning at 4:00 PM. Consistent with University Policy, essential personnel are expected to work as directed by their supervisors.

Cancellations, Postponements and Delays

• Classes in SIPA, Arts, Business and Journalism have been cancelled for Saturday, February 9, 2013. Mailman School of Public Health classes scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 2013, and Sunday, February 10, 2013, have been delayed to a new start time of 12:00 noon. Students in other Saturday courses should contact their instructor for information about the course.
• The Science Honors Program for high school students has been cancelled for tomorrow (2/9).
• Athletics:
  • Men’s Basketball – Friday’s game is proceeding as scheduled. The Columbia vs. Harvard game slated for Saturday, February 9 has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 10 at 2 p.m. 
  • Women’s Tennis Tournament – Friday, February 8 – cancelled
  • Men’s Swimming vs. Princeton 6 pm – Friday, February 8 – postponed
  • For full details about athletic events and ticket information, visit http://www.gocolumbialions.com/.

Morningside Campus Service Updates

• Please note that during snow removal, the University is working to keep the main gates of the Morningside campus open at 116th Street, at both Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The following gates will be closed during snow removal - Chapel Gate, Earl Hall Gate, CPSR Gate, NW Corner Staircase.
• For those who are on campus after hours this evening and during the weekend, Morningside buildings will be operating on a regular weekend schedule.
• Columbia Transportation has the following service changes:
  • Intercampus: The last run from CUMC to Morningside departs at 6:35 p.m. Friday, ending at Morningside on 120th Street
  • Ft. Lee:  The last run from Ft. Lee-Parker Plaza to CUMC departs at 7:10 p.m. Friday, ending at CUMC
  • Lamont: As noted on the Preparedness website earlier Friday, the final shuttle from Morningside to Lamont left campus at 3:00 p.m. That bus is also the last transportation out of Lamont and back to Morningside at 4:00 p.m. 
• Public Safety has suspended the Morningside Heights evening shuttle service.
• Beginning this evening and throughout Saturday, Butler Library will be open as a study space. Other libraries will be closed.
• The Housing Hospitality Desk in Hartley Hall continues to be available 24 hours a day at (212) 854-2779.
• To report an emergency on campus, call Public Safety at (212) 854-5555. For off-campus health or safety emergencies, please call 911.
• Facilities continues to be available at Morningside to assist with campus and building services. To contact the Facilities Services Center, call (212) 854-2222, 24 hours a day.

Before You Leave

In preparation for the inclement weather, Facilities would like to remind faculty and staff to do the following before departing this afternoon:

• Make sure all windows are closed securely. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your work area from potentially-damaging high winds.
• Remember windows in spaces that are not usually occupied. It is often an open window in one of these "forgotten" rooms that causes frozen or split pipes, not to mention wasted energy.
• Leave all radiator valves and fans coils on to ensure adequate heating and to avoid damage from freezing. 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.
• Report problems, such as leaks or windows or doors that cannot be closed, to the Facilities Services Center by calling the Facilities Services Center, call (212) 854-2222, 24 hours a day.

For More Information

For more information on weather and transit, please visit:

• The New York City Severe Weather website:
  http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/nycsevereweather/weather_home.shtml
• The MTA website:
  www.mta.info
• The National Weather Service website:
  http://www.weather.gov/

As the situation changes, we will continue to update this website, http://preparedness.columbia.edu/ and the Columbia homepage, www.columbia.edu. The Columbia University Medical Center homepage, www.cumc.columbia.edu, will also be updated. Alternatively, you may call 212-854-1754 for the Morningside campus or 212-305-7300 for the Medical Center.