Inclement Weather Update 1/28/22

The National Weather Service has upgraded their forecast for the winter storm due to bring significant snowfall across the region this weekend. The storm is expected to begin late tonight (Friday, January 28, 2022), and continue throughout the day and night tomorrow, with the heaviest accumulation due from 2 am to 6 pm Saturday.  Gusting winds are expected throughout the day Saturday into Sunday morning, affecting visibility and travel. 

Although the timing of the storm does not affect classes or campus offices, some campus operations will be impacted due to this change in the storm. 

Building Hours

There is no change to usual weekend building hours. The Campus Bookstore will be closed, however; the Rubin Campus Center, including Dunkin’s, will remain open.

Dining

There is no change to usual dining options and hours. Students are strongly encouraged to pick up grab-and-go meals today in preparation for the weekend.

COVID Testing 

There will be no testing Sunday. Harrington Auditorium and the rapid testing trailer will be closed. 

 

SNAP Van 

The SNAP van will not run from 5 pm Saturday through 3 am Sunday. Students should plan ahead for travel to and from campus. The SNAP van will resume regularly scheduled service at 5 pm Sunday. 

Parking

All WPI surface parking lots—including the Townhouse lot—will be closed as of 8 pm this evening. Any employees working on campus this evening through Sunday are asked to use the Park Avenue, East Hall, or Gateway Garages. 

Students must move their vehicles from surface lots and city streets to the Gateway Garage no later than 8 pm Friday. The Gateway Garage will be opened for students as of 8 am Friday morning; gates will open upon approach. Vehicles should be removed by 8 pm Sunday, January 30.

PLEASE NOTE: The City of Worcester has declared a parking ban, effective at midnight tonight and will tow cars left on the street during the 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. You may sign up for the city’s parking alerts via this site. 

 

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. 

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

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

 

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.