In the Puget Sound, it’s all about the layers. This winter, you’ll want to break out your raincoat and your fleece, with below-average temperatures and more-than-usual precipitation forecasted.
As you prepare your winter gear, it’s a good time for Huskies to check out what the UW does when there’s snow and ice.
If there’s snow or ice in the forecast, how can I find out if there’s any change to UW classes or in-person work?
If UW, UW Bothell or UW Tacoma decide to change operations due to the weather, we’ll share the news via email (a UW Advisory message) to students and employees at the affected campus. We’ll also send a text message (pro tip: sign up now). Info will be posted on the UW website (check the website for your campus) and on social media. Updates will also be available at information hotlines for each campus.
- Seattle: 206-897-INFO (4636) 1-866-897-INFO (4636)
- Bothell: 425-352-3333
- Tacoma: 253-692-4636
If there’s no message, your campus is operating on a regular schedule.
A change in operations could include later in-person start times, closing offices early, cancelling events or in-person classes. For students, check with your instructors about whether you’ll have class online.
During suspended in-person operations, employees who aren’t essential staff (ask your supervisor if you’re unsure), are encouraged to telework. Those who can’t due to power outages or other impacts should follow the UW Suspended Operations Policy and record time in Workday.
How does the UW make the decision to change operations mode?
The UW has Weather Status Assessment groups for each campus (UWB calls this an Emergency Response Team). These groups include representatives from operational and academic units. UW Emergency Management feeds weather updates to the groups and convenes the Seattle group if it looks like the coming weather might impact mobility and operations. Bothell and Tacoma have different, sometimes tricky microclimates and staff at those campuses convene the UW Bothell and UW Tacoma teams.
UW in Seattle, UW Bothell and UW Tacoma consider current weather conditions and forecasts for our region; whether public transit is operating; current and predicted road conditions; K-12 school operations; and whether UW Facilities crews have the tools and people to keep pathways and roadways on campuses clear of ice and obstructions. The team from each campus makes recommendations for hybrid, virtual or suspended operations to the President and Chancellors.
In the event of snow, ice, high winds or other dangerous conditions, a decision will usually be made no later than 6 a.m. about any change in operations for that day.
Getting to campus
If it’s snowy, be prepared for changes to your commute. If you ride the bus, check King County Metro, Community Transit or Pierce Transit for updates and snow routes. Link light rail and Sounder trains typically operate regular service during cold weather, but some emergencies, such as mudslides, can cancel service. If you take one of the UW shuttles, check Transportation Services or Shuttle alerts for changes to routes and schedule times.
If you drive to campus, be aware that certain levels of parking lots or garages may close for safety reasons. Refer to onsite signage for lot closure instructions and relocation directions. Transportation Services will list closures and re-routes for Seattle. Conditions can change quickly, however, so always use your best judgment.
Plan ahead
UW Environmental Health & Safety has great winter season safety tips that covers preventing falls, working safely outdoors, and traveling in the dark. If you’re headed to the UW campus in Seattle, check the UW Facilities snow removal map for real-time information about the condition of roads and walkways during a snow event.
If we’re expecting a severe winter storm, keep the King County emergency preparedness checklist handy, along with some flashlights and batteries.
What if I can’t make it to campus?
Conditions may be different at your home than they are on campus. If it’s not safe for you to get to campus, students should contact instructors as soon as possible.
Employees should contact their supervisor if they’re unable to come to work. Learn more about inclement weather, including leave use and compensation, at the UW Human Resources website.
If heavy and extended snow is in the forecast, units should check their department’s business interruption and continuity plan and talk with supervisors. UW’s Center for Teaching & Learning also has excellent recommendations for teaching during campus disruptions.
Stay warm, stay dry and have a safe winter!