Wind Chill Warning Issued, Bitterly Cold Temperatures Forecasted

Syracuse University is currently monitoring and assessing weather conditions for Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31. This effort includes reviewing the most up-to-date National Weather Service data and forecasting, and consulting with an independent meteorologist.

At this time, a Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Onondaga County. According to the National Weather Service, this means wind chills could get as low as -20 degrees by 6 p.m. and as low as -35 degrees by midnight on Thursday, Jan. 31. Snow squalls and wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour are also expected.

Based on current conditions, the University expects to remain open and operational on Wednesday, Jan. 30. However, and as always, campus community members should be aware and take precautions when severe weather is in the area.

The University will continue to evaluate the forecast and anticipated conditions. If a change in the University’s operating status becomes necessary, it will be announced:

• via campus email;
• on the University’s campus Twitter account, @SUCampus;
• on the University’s campus Facebook page, @SUCampus;
• on news.syr.edu and syracuse.edu; and
• via the Syracuse University radio station WAER-FM/88.3 and other local media outlets.

In anticipation of the frigid temperatures, Syracuse University’s Office of Health Services and the Department of Public Safety are reminding students, faculty and staff about steps they can take to stay safe, including:

• Dress to stay warm and dry, including wearing a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water-resistant coat and shoes, several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Avoid ice. Take the time to carefully walk around icy ground. Choose footwear that will enable you to “get a grip.”
• Be cautious about travel. Before driving, check for weather advisories. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads if at all possible. If you must travel, try to travel with a friend, and take a cell phone with you.

Finally, if you’re traveling across campus, be aware of and take advantage of resources available to you:

• Before heading outside, check the bus schedule to limit the time you spend outside. You can review the schedule, by visiting centro.org/colleges/syracuse-university.
• And, as always, DPS escorts are available by calling 315.443.SAFE. To learn more about the Safety Escort Program, visit syr.edu/services-resources/safety-escort-program/.

To learn more about winter weather preparedness, visit the Department of Public Safety’s website or SU Health Services’ Winter Health page.