Wintry Mix Expected Beginning Friday Afternoon

[Update: Thursday, January 9, 2025: 5 p.m.]

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for central North Carolina from 1 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday.

Total snow and sleet accumulations up to three inches and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch are expected with the highest accumulations are expected along the Virginia border.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

All medical staff working on the main Durham campus Friday afternoon are encouraged to park in PGII to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots as needed. All permits will be allowed access to PGII beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Bus routes will depend on weather conditions. Every effort will be made to continue the C-1 bus route on a normal schedule, and Duke Vans will plan to operate until midnight Friday, weather permitting.

Wilson and Brodie gyms are planning to operate on a normal schedule during the weekend.

Future updates will be posted here as conditions warrant. Follow Working@Duke on X for additional real-time updates.

[Original Post]

Duke officials are closely monitoring weather conditions as forecasts project a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain across the central North Carolina beginning Friday afternoon, Jan. 10.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from 1 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Snow and sleet are expected Friday afternoon into the evening hours. Mixed precipitation will then spread northward Friday night into Saturday including transitions to sleet, freezing rain, and some all rain. Total snow and sleet accumulations range from a dusting up to 3 inches, highest along and north of I-85.

Duke crews are pre-treating and applying brine to campus streets, outdoor stairways, walkways and entries to parking facilities. Crews will be on-site ready to respond Friday afternoon through Saturday.

All medical staff working on the main Durham campus Friday afternoon are encouraged to park in PG2 to allow crews to treat and clear parking lots as needed. All permits will be allowed access to PG2 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Given the forecasts for winter weather, staff members should review the Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions policy and discuss with their managers what they should do if it 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.

If the policy is activated, the announcement will be made through the various DukeALERT channels, including email and text message. The announcement and updates also will be posted on the DukeALERT website and recorded on the severe weather/emergency conditions telephone line at 919-684-INFO (4636).

More information about the policy, a map of priorities for clearing roads, lots and sidewalks, and resources, is available on the Duke Emergency Management website.

Future updates will be posted here as conditions warrant. Follow Working@Duke on X for additional real-time updates.