Cornell’s Ithaca and AgriTech campuses will close at noon on Sunday due to an upcoming winter storm, according to the University’s Office of Emergency Management. The storm is expected by the National Weather Service to drop over a foot of snow on Ithaca.
Campuses “will potentially” reopen at noon on Monday, pending an announcement from the University on Monday morning that will confirm the reopening time, according to the OEM.
All classes, exams and campus activities scheduled to take place before noon on Monday are canceled. Cornell libraries, The Cornell Store and on-campus retail stores will also close on Sunday at noon. Residence halls will remain open.
The National Weather Service declared a hazardous weather outlook for central New York from 1 a.m. on Sunday until 7 p.m. on Monday, and currently projects 12 to 18 inches of snowfall for Ithaca during the storm. NWS recommends that people in this area stay indoors and delay all travel, or take precautions if not possible.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a state of emergency for the state of New York on Friday, ahead of the upcoming storm.
“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Hochul said in a statement regarding the state of emergency. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures.”
One of Cornell’s most recent entire-day snow days was in December 2019, when Ithaca was projected to receive six to 12 inches of snow. The University rarely declares snow days, only breaking its decades-long abstinence in 2017.
The Ithaca City School District also adjusted its schedule for next week, announcing a Monday snow day for its schools in advance due to the inclement weather.
The OEM recommends that students limit time outdoors, staff consult their supervisors about travel plans and instructional staff reach out to the Office of the University Registrar for assistance with rescheduling exams.
Varsha Bhargava is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is a news editor for the 143rd Editorial Board and can be reached at vbhargava@cornellsun.com.
