Now that winter weather has arrived, and colder temperatures are expected, it’s important to check the weather forecast before traveling and plan accordingly to stay safe.
You can view the most current weather information and road condition updates via:
Notifications and Updates
If all classes are canceled or campus operations are reduced, the university will issue a Hawk Alert and post the information to uiowa.edu. Updates will be posted to emergency.uiowa.edu. For additional information and FAQs, view the university’s Extreme Weather Plan.
Attendance
University employees are expected to make every reasonable effort to report to work as scheduled even in severe weather conditions. Employees are encouraged to actively communicate with their supervisors and students are encouraged to actively communicate with their instructors regarding their specific circumstances.
Please reference the Extreme Weather Protocol in the policy manual for specific guidance.
General Reminders
To stay safe and protect yourself from the dangerous temperatures, the National Weather Service recommends:
- Stay weather aware. Check the forecast regularly and plan accordingly.
- Limit your time outdoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Dress warmly and monitor local weather resources for updates.
Dressing for Winter Weather
Dress appropriately if you must go outside:
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Stay dry and out of the wind.
Travel
- Clean off your vehicle before driving.
- Ready your vehicle (check battery, wipers, coolant etc.)
- Keep a winter survival kit in your car if you must travel.
- Slow down and keep two hands on the wheel.
- Don’t use cruise control during icy/snowy conditions.
- Leave extra distance between vehicles.
Stay in your vehicle if you are involved in a crash or experience car issues while driving on the highway. Pull your car into the emergency lane or shoulder if it is safe to do so, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 to report the accident and request roadside assistance. While it may be tempting to inspect your car for damage or issues while you wait, doing so can put you at risk of getting struck by oncoming traffic.
Campus Resources
- NITE RIDE: a free, late-night transportation service operated by the UI Department of Public Safety, is available to all UI students, faculty, and staff from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. NITE RIDE will maintain service during severe weather within reasonable and safe practices. During extreme weather events, NITE RIDE may need to unexpectedly modify or suspend all service. To request a ride, visit: niteride.its.uiowa.edu/request/
- CAMBUS: CAMBUS will maintain service during severe weather within reasonable and safe practices. During extreme weather events, CAMBUS may need to unexpectedly modify or suspend all service. GPS-based, real-time Cambus passenger information is available through the Transit app. It is recommended to “favorite” routes you most frequently ride so you can receive notifications of any weather-related detours or delays.
- Motorist Assistance Program: UI Parking and Transportation offers free jump-start service for employees, students, and visitors parked on the main campus. Motorist assistance is offered on an as-available basis from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The service is not offered on university holidays. To request service, call 319-335-8312. Service can include battery jump starts, locating your vehicle if parked on campus, and pumping air into tires.
- Parking and Transportation: UI Parking and Transportation is committed to providing a safe and accessible campus during inclement weather. To learn more about policies, procedures, detours, and services, visit their winter weather information page.
- Facilities Management: Building operations teams monitor building conditions and landscape services teams remove snow per the campus snow removal policy during extreme weather. To learn more about this process, report an access issue, or view snow removal maps, visit the snow and ice removal procedures page.