University of Iowa Hawkalert
National Weather Service Updates
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for our area beginning midnight Thursday through Friday at noon. A Cold Weather Advisory will then continue through Saturday at noon.
Operational Updates
Due to the Extreme Cold Warning issued for our area, the University of Iowa will hold classes virtually on Friday, Jan. 23. Instructors will hold their classes via Zoom or Teams, or, in rare circumstances, cancel class and cover material at a future date.
University offices and services will remain open in accordance with the UI Policy Manual. Employees should report as scheduled, safety permitting, and communicate with their supervisor about their specific circumstances. In all cases, we urge faculty, staff, and students to use good judgement and avoid serious risks during extreme weather conditions.
Events
Organizers of non-academic events are responsible for communicating a cancellation for their event. Those who wish to proceed with events may only do so upon approval from applicable university leadership following procedures outlined in the university’s Extreme Weather Plan.
Winter Weather Safety
Our area is under multiple weather warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service, including an Extreme Cold Warning from midnight Thursday through noon on Friday and an Extreme Cold Advisory through Saturday at noon. During this time wind chills could drop below –35 degrees at various times. These wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
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.
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.
Additional information
For additional information and FAQs, review the university’s Extreme Weather Plan and these winter weather safety tips.
You can view the most current weather information and road condition updates via:
Campus Resources
- NITE RIDE: a free, late-night transportation service operated by Campus Safety is available to all UI students, faculty, and staff from 9 p.m. to 4 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. Check the Transit App for route and estimated arrival times.
- 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. 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. For current hours, see the UI Parking and Transportation website.
- Facilities Management: Building operations teams monitor building conditions and landscape services teams remove snow and ice 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.