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Duke Officials Monitoring Winter Weather

Freezing rain expected in central North Carolina tonight

Updated: Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 a.m.

After carefully assessing conditions across the Triangle and on and around campus through the evening and early morning, Duke officials have determined that the University and Health System will operate on a normal schedule Wednesday. While most roads on and around campus are clear of ice, there may be icy patches on bridges and overpasses during the morning hours. The roofs of parking garages on campus will be closed this morning due to patches of ice. Buses will be operating on a normal schedule this morning with no adjustment of routes. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing later today, but crews are on campus this morning checking areas and treating entrances to residence halls, elevated parkings areas and other unique trouble spots such as sidewalks and approaches to garages.Individuals are encouraged to allow extra time for travel this morning and report any problem areas to Facilities (University) or Engineering & Operations (Medical Center). 

Updated: Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Duke officials are closely monitoring forecasts for the area that predict freezing rain late Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing Wednesday afternoon, but icy patches may exist on roads, bridges and walkways during the morning commute.

Crews will begin treating campus roads, walkways, and parking lots Tuesday night in preparation for the men’s basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium at 9 p.m. A map of priority clearing for basketball games can be found here.

Duke officials will continue to monitor and assess weather conditions. At this time, Duke expects to operate on a normal schedule, including classes, for tonight and tomorrow. Managers should encourage staff to allow extra time for travel tomorrow morning and be flexible with staffing as appropriate.Faculty and staff should use priority snow/ice clearing routes to travel to and from campus buildings during icy conditions since normal routes may not be cleared or treated initially.Also, remind faculty and staff members about the Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions policy, so they understand their responsibilities based on the appropriate service category: essential service, reserved service or delayed service. If the policy is activated, the announcement will be made through the various DukeALERT channels, including email, text message, and Duke's emergency website. A message also will be recorded on the severe weather/emergency conditions telephone line at 919-684-INFO (4636).

Original Post: Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 8:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service has reported a winter storm watch that will last from 7 p.m. today through noon tomorrow.

Duke officials will be closely monitoring weather conditions and will communicate updates as conditions warrant.

Drizzle and light rain are expected during the day Tuesday, but temperatures will drop throughout the day. Current forecasts indicate a chance for freezing rain before midnight, possibly mixed with sleet in the early morning hours on Wednesday. Overnight temperatures are expected to linger in the mid-20s, increasing potential for ice to form on roads and bridges. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing Wednesday morning.  

Given the possibility of inclement weather, staff members should review Duke's severe weather and emergency conditions policy and discuss with their managers what they should do if the policy is activated. 

During times of severe weather, some staff positions require on-site presence to continue operations. To ensure continuous operations of patient care, student support and research functions, managers should assign all jobs to one of three service categories:

  • Essential Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, essential service staff report or remain at work. Transportation service and childcare services may be provided for those required to work during severe weather or emergency conditions.
  • Reserve Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, these staff are assigned a status at the time of the event.
  • Delayed Service: During severe weather or emergency conditions, these staff do not report to or remain at work.

Future updates will be posted on Duke Today as conditions warrant.