Duke Monitoring Winter System That Could Bring Significant Snow

Officials tracking storm that could bring heavy snow and bitter cold this weekend

Expected snowfall amount
Total amounts of snowfall could change and will depend on track and intensity of coastal low. Source: National Weather Service, Raleigh

Update: 3:08 p.m. Jan. 30

As a result of expected hazardous conditions resulting from expected snow accumulation, Duke University and Duke University Health System will activate the severe weather and emergency conditions policy from midnight Friday, Jan. 30 through midnight Sunday, Feb. 1.

Please visit the DukeALERT website for further updates during the weather event.

Original post:

Duke officials are closely monitoring a winter weather system that could bring 5 to 8 inches of snow to central North Carolina from Friday night through Sunday.

Although considerable forecast uncertainty remains regarding snowfall totals and related impacts, the National Weather Service has issued a storm watch, noting the potential for significant snow from the Carolinas into portions of the Middle Atlantic. The increasing potential for snow will be accompanied by Arctic cold and a blustery wind that will produce multiple mornings of wind chill values in the single digits below zero to single digits above zero through the weekend.

Duke crews are planning to pre-treat and brine to campus streets, outdoor stairways, walkways and entries to parking facilities before any potential winter weather. Crews will be on-site and ready to respond throughout the weekend. 

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 on this story as conditions warrant.

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