Inclement Weather Notification 2/23/22

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for late Thursday night, February 24, through Friday, February 25, predicting significant snowfall across the region. The storm is expected to continue throughout the day Friday, with heavy snowfall expected at times from morning to evening, tapering off after 5 pm. Total estimated snow accumulations for the storm system are between 6 to 12 inches.

Campus Operations

There are no classes scheduled on Friday. Campus operations are not expected to be impacted, with the following exceptions:

• The Gordon Library will open at 10 am
• Morgan Dining will follow weekend hours: brunch from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, and dinner from 5 pm to 8 pm; all other dining locations follow usual hours.

All other dining, buildings, and operations will continue as usual.

Employees concerned about traveling to campus should contact their immediate supervisor and determine if a “remote work” option for the day is appropriate.

COVID Testing 

The COVID Testing Center in Harrington Auditorium is closed Fridays and Saturdays; 27 Hackfeld will be open for symptomatic testing.

Shuttles

At this time, there is no change to the shuttle services or schedules. Should weather conditions worsen significantly, Campus Police will issue an update. 

Parking

All WPI surface parking lots—including the Townhouse lot—will be closed as of 5 pm Thursday. Employees working on campus are asked to use the Park Avenue, East Hall, or Gateway Garages.

Students must move their vehicles from surface lots to the Gateway Garage no later than 5 pm Thursday. The Gateway Garage will be opened for students as of 8 am Thursday, gates will open upon approach. Vehicles should be removed from the Gateway Garage by 5 pm Sunday, February 27.

Students: The City of Worcester has not yet declared a parking ban, but any students who park on city streets are welcomed to move their vehicles to the Gateway Garage only if they would like. The Gateway Garage will be open as of 8 am Thursday; gates will open upon approach. Vehicles should be removed by 5 pm Sunday, February 27. Students are asked not to park in the Park Avenue Garage.

PLEASE NOTE: The City of Worcester will tow and/or ticket cars left on the street if there is a declared parking ban. The city imposes its own parking restrictions on city streets bordering the campus. Those restrictions are in effect and will be enforced until the city declares the parking ban has ended. All Worcester municipal garages are open and free during the city’s parking ban. Parking fees are imposed once the parking ban lifts. More information is available at http://www.worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking. We encourage you to sign up for the city’s parking alerts via this site. 

Residential students: Please remember to close the windows in your room if you leave for any period of time. 

Throughout the duration of the storm, response personnel will be on campus to support the safety and well-being of our community and our facilities. WPI’s grounds team will work continuously to clear and maintain walkways and surface areas. However, we encourage everyone on the campus to use caution during the storm. 

Should you find yourself in an on-campus emergency situation, please call WPI Campus Police at 508-831-5555.

 

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

 

Art Heinricher, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Terri Camesano, Dean of Graduate Studies

Philip Clay, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

Michael Horan, Executive Vice President/CFO

Lauren Turner, Senior Vice President, Talent & Inclusion