Campus shakes off blizzard effects

11 a.m. Monday update: Campus operations are normal. Monday classes and the Monday work day are being held as usual.

However, the NWS has posted a Wind Chill Advisory and is forecasting extreme cold, with Monday’s high temp projected to be 7 degrees with wind chills of -10 to -20.

All are urged to dress appropriately for extremely cold weather and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors. If you do not feel you can make it to campus safely:

–Students who feel it is unsafe to travel to campus should contact their professors or teaching assistants about making up missed class time. Professors and teaching assistants are asked to be flexible in dealing with student requests.

–Employees are advised to use their own discretion regarding their health and safety and that of their family members, but they are required to use accrued holiday, vacation or compensation time to cover any absences. Supervisors are advised to be flexible in their approval of employee-requested leave in inclement weather situations.

A Snow Action Day is in effect for the UW–Madison campus to help crews efficiently handle snow removal operations in the face of a major winter storm.

12:30 p.m. update: A Snow Action Day has been declared for the UW–Madison campus to help crews efficiently handle snow removal operations in the face of a major winter storm.

The designation allows crews to prioritize snow clearance on streets, parking areas and sidewalks. Please note that a Snow Action Day is an advisory and a call to action and does not mean that classes are cancelled or that the university has been closed.

A Snow Action Day means:

• People will be encouraged to leave their cars at home and ride the bus to campus.
• Moped and bicycle travel will be discouraged.
• New winter parking rules in specific parking lots and some university streets will take effect.
• The top level of parking ramps will be closed to allow snow clearance.
• Signs will be placed at the bus stop atop Bascom Hill and at the Memorial Union if buses cannot make the steep trip up Observatory Drive during storms, to better inform riders.
• Motorists will be urged to park in cleared areas of parking lots or in ramps, where possible.

So that crews can focus their attention on clearing high-priority areas, some walking routes will be cleared last in the wake of Snow Action Days, including the south walk along Lot 46, the Bill’s Woods Walk in Eagle Heights, the west sidewalk on Lake Mendota Drive, and the Hoofers lakefront area at the Memorial Union.

A Snow Action Day affects only the campus during major snowstorms. The city of Madison issues and enforces separate snow emergency advisories that affect areas near the campus.

8 a.m. update: Campus roadways are snow covered, but plowed and passable. However if people do not have a need to come to campus, they should avoid the area to allow Physical Plant to keep clearing parking lots.

7:30 a.m. Sunday update: Some cancellations have been reported. View the complete list.

According to the NWS, today’s forecast calls for snow and widespread blowing snow before noon, then widespread blowing snow and a slight chance of snow after noon. Temperature will fall to around 12 degrees by 5 p.m., with wind chill values between -5 and zero. It will be windy, with a north wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Travel is generally hazardous and motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads.

6 p.m. Saturday update: The UW–Madison campus was preparing for the first major winter storm of the season with ice, snow and high winds expected beginning today, Saturday, Dec. 11 and throughout the day Sunday, Dec. 12.

Students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to use caution coming to or from campus.

UW-Madison is open for business and classes are expected to be held Monday as scheduled. Any changes to campus operations will be announced on TV, radio, via social media and the university home page.

If you have information about campus event cancellations, email chancellor@news.wisc.edu with specific details of the changes.

Moderate to heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow will make for dangerous traveling conditions tonight and Sunday. Reduced visibilities and snow covered, drifted roads are expected.

Ahead of the storm, students, faculty and staff should review the following snow-related policies:

–Students who feel it is unsafe to travel to campus should contact their professors or teaching assistants about making up missed class time. Professors and teaching assistants are asked to be flexible in dealing with student requests.

–Employees are advised to use their own discretion regarding their health and safety and that of their family members, but they are required to use accrued holiday, vacation or compensation time to cover any absences. Supervisors are advised to be flexible in their approval of employee-requested leave in inclement weather situations.

For additional forecast information, visit the NWS.