Winter storm
UW inclement weather – suspended or modified operations
In the event of snow, ice, high winds or other dangerous conditions, campus leadership will assess conditions and will usually make a decision no later than 5 a.m. about whether to suspend operations, modify operations for the entire day or operate on a delayed schedule.
UW’s campus in Seattle, UW Bothell and UW Tacoma each have its own inclement weather plan. The plan guides senior leadership in the decision-making process and includes procedures for the UW to assess current and forecast weather conditions, solicit input from key campus stakeholders, consolidate situational assessment, convene key leaders for rapid decision-making and notify students, faculty and staff.
Where to get information about UW operations
Seattle
If UW suspends or modifies operations in Seattle, information will be shared via:
- UW Alert: All students, faculty and staff will receive UW Alert email notifications. You can also sign up to receive text messages about suspended or modified operations and other emergencies. Sign up for text messages or update your contact information.
- UW homepage
- UW Information Lines at 206-UWS-INFO (206-897-4636) or toll-free 1-866-897-4636
- Facebook – UW Alert
- X – UW Alert
Snow routes
- UW Seattle campus’ current snow removal status GIS map (roads and sidewalks)
Preparing for winter weather
- UW Environmental Health & Safety Wintertime Safety tips
- Get Winter Ready: prevent house heating fires, prepare for power outages, stay safe during winter travel and low-cost tips for keeping your home warm
- Flood safety: preventing, protecting, cleaning up and drying out
Stay safe during winter travel
- Preparing your car
- Winter driving tips and statewide pass conditions from the Washington State Department of Transportation
- Bus route winter snow guide and rider alerts from King County Metro.
- Link light rail and Sounder trains operate regular service during cold and icy weather, but some emergencies, such as mudslides, can cancel service.
- Tips for winter bicycling
- Seattle Department of Transportation’s winter weather resources
Be prepared for a power outage
- Preparing for and responding to power outages
- Never use generators inside your home, garage or carport. Tips for using a generator during power outages. Guidelines for purchasing a generator.
- Never cook or heat inside on a charcoal or gas grill, they can cause a buildup of poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety.
Other resources
- Take winter by storm
- National Weather Service, Seattle
- Seattle City Light: when the power goes out
- Seattle City Light: view and report outages
- Puget Sound Energy
Winter storm watches and warnings
A Winter Storm Watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A Winter Storm Warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way or have already begun. A Blizzard Warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
During
- Stay safe, warm, dry and calm.
- Do not drive unnecessarily. If you must drive, bring necessary supplies.
- Dress warmly enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Do not go outside if you don’t have to.
- Check the most current Pacific Northwest Radar from the UW before heading out the door.
In a car or truck
- In extreme cold or in heavy snow, stay with your car until you can be rescued.
- Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat.
- Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked, which would cause dangerous fumes to backup inside the car.
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door to alert rescuers.
- Turn on your dome light, at night, when running the engine.
- Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.