Flurries of anticipation are swirling around campus as students and staff alike bundle up to brace for the first major snowfall of the year.
The National Weather Service reports expected signs of a “significant winter storm to bring heavy snow and ice impacts,” spanning from New Mexico toward the easternmost point of Kentucky. Warnings of total snow accumulations are expected to range from 10 to 14 inches. With this, power outages, travel disruptions and property damage are expected.
People are emptying grocery store shelves and stocking up for a weekend potentially locked indoors. But which items are worth purchasing? And how else should students and residents of Bowling Green prepare? David Oliver, WKU Environmental Health and Safety director and emergency manager, said there is some key information for staying safe in the upcoming days:
- Watch out for predicted precipitation. Rain and sleet are set to occur alongside the snow with the potential to create slick conditions on the road, so it is best advised to stay indoors.
- Stock up on food and other staples in moderation. Stocking up on enough food to last the weekend and perhaps a few days longer than the predicted storm will be sufficient. For those living in rural areas, access to water may be more limited than for those on or near campus, so be aware of risks depending on where you live.
- Charge your devices before Saturday. Power outages are a risk of any severe weather, so while you still have access to power, make sure your devices have as much battery as possible.
- Be very cautious with heat alternatives in the case of a power outage. Gas stoves should not be used as a primary source of heat due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you need to travel, keep a close eye on your car. Before driving, be sure to check that both your antifreeze and oil are in good condition. Cold temperatures can thicken car oil, which can cause friction, hinder circulation and impair engine components. Antifreeze, composed of half-water and half-coolant, also faces a high risk of freezing, which can crack the engine block of your car.
- Wear protective layers of clothing when outside. Frostbite is very common when temperatures drop below freezing. Any plans to spend time outside should be taken with caution.
WKU utilizes a detailed student response plan in cases of extreme weather to prioritize the health and safety of its students, according to Oliver.
“The first step is always clearing paths on campus, such as from dorms to DSU, so that students can gain access to food and other needs,” Oliver said.
The university uses a robust power system capable of staying up through the weekend, according to Oliver.
Oliver also noted the benefit of WKU’s Meteorology Program, the first and largest of its kind in the region, in its assistance with weather forecasting. Department professors and graduate students are working alongside Oliver as a winter weather committee to detect storm patterns and deliver the most accurate and timely news to students.
The university has made various announcements regarding the potential winter storm. The top floors of PS1, PS2, PS3, and alumni square garage are not permitted to be used, according to an email from WKU Parking and Transportation Services. WKU Athletics also announced that the women’s basketball game against Delaware has been moved from Saturday to Friday, at 6:30 p.m. in Diddle Arena.
To be notified of schedule changes, “students who have a cell phone number on file in TopNet will receive a text message,” according to WKU Communications & Marketing. Information will also be available via the WKU homepage, sent via email, and posted to all official WKU social media pages.
