CUIMC Campus Status

Updated 5:10 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024

Winter Storm Watch, February 13 

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City and a Winter Storm Warning for counties north and west of the city, in effect from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13. 

The NWS is currently forecasting heavy snow possible, with total accumulations of 5 to 8 inches in the city and 9 to 12 inches in counties north and west. Expect very difficult travel conditions with impacts on tomorrow’s morning and evening commutes. If you must travel, use mass transit when at all possible, allow extra travel time, and exercise extreme caution.

Campus snow removal crews are mobilized and prepared to begin snow removal as soon as the snowfall begins with all campuses expected to remain accessible throughout the storm.

CUIMC Updates 

  • Operations and classes are anticipated to continue as normal on campus. If weather conditions prevent you from attending in-person classes, please contact your professor.
  • University shuttles will operate during the storm, with delays expected, for as long as conditions allow. Be sure to download the Passio Go! app for real-time bus locations and up-to-the-minute service-related announcements.
  • All Student Health on Haven offices will operate remotely on Tuesday, February 13, during its normal business hours. Visit Student Health on Haven's website for additional information and updates.
  • The following College of Dental Medicine clinical locations will be closed on Tuesday, February 13:
    • CDM teaching clinics (Vanderbilt Clinic and Pediatrics locations)
    • Oral Surgery Faculty Practice (Vanderbilt Clinic)
    • Mobile Dentistry Program (dental van)

Prepare for the Snow

Please help preserve buildings, valuables, and most importantly your safety, by doing the following: 

  • Securely close all windows, window shades, blinds, or curtains. This single step may be the most important way that you can protect your space from potential damage. 
  • Turn off lights, appliances, electronics, and other non-essential equipment before leaving.
  • Electrical or valuable items should be moved off the floor and away from windows
  • Close fume hoods when not being used and shut down non-essential lab equipment. 
  • Make sure all critical equipment is connected to emergency power outlets
  • Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere. 
  • Review any departmental contingency plans and emergency protocols related to equipment operation. 
  • Prepare for potential power outages by charging cell phone batteries and gathering supplies. If you lose power and have a disability or access needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, please dial 911 immediately or Public Safety at 212-305-7979. 

What We are Doing

Facilities staff will be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks. We also have additional staff on hand to provide a fast response to service requests and emergencies.  

  • If you see an unsafe condition on campus including leaks, opened windows and doors, or other issues, please immediately contact Facilities Management at212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, or email cumc.facilities@columbia.edu   
  • To report an emergency on campus 24/7, call Public Safety at 212-854-5555 at Morningside, 212-853-3333 at Manhattanville, and 212-305-7979 at the Medical Center. 

Local Weather and Transit Resources