The Western New York area has some of the harshest winter storms and averages 95 inches of snow per year.
Because the weather in Western New York can vary greatly within just a few miles, there are times each winter when conditions on campus are favorable for classes to be held as scheduled, but some students, faculty, and staff members may experience difficulty traveling to campus. In those situations, students must communicate with their instructors, faculty with their students, and staff with their supervisors if they cannot travel to campus safely.
Snow Storm/Ice Storm Terms to Know
- Winter Storm WARNING
Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours.
- Blizzard WARNING
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35mph or greater, considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less that a quarter mile, expected to last 3 hours or longer.
- Winter Storm WATCH
Winter storm conditions possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- Winter Storm ADVISORY
Winter storm conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, but not life-threatening if you use caution.
- WIND CHILL
As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body at a faster rate, driving down your body temperature, making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.
During a Winter Storm
- All members of the campus community are encouraged to prepare and have a personal winter emergency in their vehicle. (i.e. cell phone charger, warm hat and gloves, blanket, water, snacks, jumper cables, etc..)
- Should conditions worsen during the day, the President or Agency Executive may decide to cancel classes or campus activities early. When such a determination is made, you will be notified via Buff State Alert and the university’s website.
- If roads leading to your home have been closed, do not attempt to travel home.
- If you are unable to travel home, contact your supervisor, or the person who is next in line of authority.
- If the storm has knocked power lines to the ground and it appears that the electricity will be off for an extended period of time, it may be necessary to take appropriate action to prevent injury to people or damage to property.
Decision to Cancel Classes Due to Weather
- UPD will relay campus road conditions, as well as the conditions of city roads near and leading to campus, to Facilities. The Emergency Manager will be notified of road conditions by Facilities. Facilities will then make a recommendation to the VPFM (Agency Executive) by 5:30 a.m. so a decision can be made. A communication will then be sent out to the campus community by 6:00 a.m.
- As always, it is a personal decision for students, faculty, and staff members as to whether or not they travel to campus.
