SMU winter weather operations update:
Updated Feb. 2, 2023 at 11:25 a.m.
Classes and regular campus operations resume Friday
As temperatures warm and thawing occurs, classes and regular campus operations and activities will return to normal as of 6 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023.
In addition to Umphrey Lee and Arnold Dining Halls, Macs Place is also opening through 10 p.m. Thursday to provide more options for residential students. Fondren Library and Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports will be open through 6 pm. Thursday and return to regular operating hours on Friday.
Information about making up instruction lost during canceled classes will be provided to professors and students after courses resume.
Any lingering slushy or wet surfaces will likely refreeze overnight, so please be cautious returning to campus Friday morning.
What you need to know:
More ice accumulation and less sleet Wednesday and Wednesday evening. The most significant ice accumulations will occur along and west of the I-35 corridor with an increased threat for power outages in addition to the ongoing travel disruptions. Conditions will start to improve across the southeast tonight and areawide Thursday
- Dangerous road conditions will continue with travel not advised Wednesday and Wednesday night. Some slow improvement occurs Thursday as temps rise above freezing, but we won’t get back to normal until the sun comes out Friday morning.
- Across the western half of North Texas, an increase in the expected ice accumulations through Thursday morning will result in a higher threat for power outages and tree damage than previously expected. An Ice Storm Warning is in effect there.
- The Ice Storm and Winter Storm Warning are now in effect through 9 AM Thursday to account for the unsafe road conditions expected during the Thursday morning commute.
- Widespread freezing rain is expected Wednesday with much less sleet than the previous two days.
- For those in the Ice Storm Warning, additional ice accumulations up to half an inch are expected.
- For those in the Winter Storm Warning, expect total ice accumulations from a tenth to a quarter of an inch with locally higher amounts (including this morning’s ice).
- Conditions should start to improve across the southeast (Palestine area) today as temps warm above freezing. Temperatures will warm slowly overnight with above freezing temperatures occurring east of the I-35 corridor late tonight. Conditions will begin to improve areawide mid-to-late morning Thursday areawide.
- Light freezing rain may linger Thursday morning across western North Texas with cold rain elsewhere.
- Chances are increasing that we will see a rain/snow mix or wet snow Thursday afternoon and evening sweep across North Texas.
- Snow accumulations are expected to be light due to the wet, slushy nature of the snow, and above freezing temperatures.
How to keep yourself safe (according to the National Weather Service):
Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
Check on the elderly.
Bring pets inside.
How to dress (according to the National Weather Service):
- 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.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.