Snowfall expected through Monday across Ohio

The Ohio State University is preparing for additional snowfall over the next few days, and the university community should plan to allow extra time for traveling to class and work when classes resume on January 6. According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin to accumulate throughout Ohio Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.

Ohio State’s Columbus campus rarely cancels classes, and the threshold for cancellation is far higher than that of a K-12 school district. When considering whether to cancel in-person classes due to severe weather, Ohio State’s Emergency Management and Fire Prevention, part of the Department of Public Safety (DPS), works with units throughout the university to assess road conditions, scheduled events and weather impacts. A final recommendation is brought forward by the executive vice president and provost.

Should the university decide to cancel or modify classes, information about Columbus campus operations would be communicated centrally via the Buckeye Alert system, and information about regional campus operations would be communicated through campus leadership.

The City of Ohio State podcast took a deep dive on how the university handles winter storms and a January 2023 Ohio State News story outlined when, why and how Ohio State cancels classes due to winter weather.

With the potential for winter weather to impact in-person operations, the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) is encouraging instructors to be flexible. Generally, instructors are to discuss their class continuity plan with students at the beginning of the semester in the event of weather or other short-term closing. However, given weather impacts would occur before the first class meeting, in the event that in-person classes were canceled, OAA would encourage instructors to rely on asynchronous activities when possible. Unless announced otherwise, online or distance-learning classes would continue to occur as scheduled.

In the event in-person classes are held as scheduled, travelers should anticipate a slow commute. Plan ahead, leave early and allow extra time to arrive at your destination. The university is asking instructors and managers to provide flexibility and understanding to students, staff and faculty impacted by the snowfall, particularly early in the morning. Students requesting special accommodations necessitated by weather will be accountable for any material and assignments missed during an absence from class.

Safety is the university’s top priority, and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), CampusParc, Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM) and DPS work together to offer services during the winter months to keep the community safe. As snow and ice start to collect, FOD teams are dispatched to treat campus roadways and sidewalks. They remain on campus throughout the day and night, treating and plowing as needed. CampusParc crews will also be on campus treating parking lots and garages, with garage rooftops remaining open when possible. Learn more on the CampusParc website.

While community members may still see snow in some areas, particularly during periods of heavy snow accumulation, facilities crews will do their best to keep pathways clear. TTM’s paratransit service provides curb-to-curb transportation to all students, faculty and staff with a permanent or temporary disability. Riders need to be registered prior to receiving service. Service is available on and off campus within university boundaries. TTM transit and paratransit vehicles are all ADA-accessible. Learn more on the TTM website.

TTM will continue to offer bus service, but users are encouraged to utilize the Ohio State app for real-time CABS tracking to stay updated on CABS service offerings. 

If travelers see a potentially unsafe condition on campus due to ice or snow, they should not try to rectify the situation; instead, report it to Service2Facilities at 614-292-4357 (report unsafe ice or snow conditions at the Wexner Medical Center to 614-293-8645).

Off-campus locations, including roads and sidewalks east of High Street, are not cleared by Ohio State and are the responsibility of the city of Columbus and residents.

Winter Travel Tips

• Know your route and pay special attention to changing and/or declining weather conditions.
• Take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding and remain alert as you move on and around campus.
• Allow additional distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you during snowy and icy conditions.
• Be sure to keep your vehicle windows and head, tail and brake lights clear of ice and snow.
• Keep your gas tank filled.
• Wear sensible shoes and dress in layers for travel between destinations.
• Prepare a winter emergency kit for your vehicle. Be sure to include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, hats and gloves, first aid kit, emergency flares and shovel, cell phone charger as well as water and nonperishable food items.

DPS offers a real-time weather forecast online, and additional winter safety tips can be found on the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website.