Clemson University officials are actively monitoring the forecasted winter storm and its potential impacts on main campus and other Clemson University locations and urge students, faculty and staff to prepare now. At this time, all University facilities are operating on a normal schedule.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Upstate and parts of the Midlands, beginning Saturday morning through Monday afternoon, meaning heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is possible. While forecasts are uncertain about the severity and type of precipitation at this time, wintry precipitation is expected to result in moderate impacts, including hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages.
Clemson University’s top priority is the safety of its students, faculty and staff. Make sure you are prepared for the impacts of winter weather now. Consider the following:
- Be Informed: Continue to monitor local weather forecasts and stay informed about the developments of the storm. Have several ways to get emergency information, including CU Alerts.
- Make a Plan: Create an emergency plan or review your current plan and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do. Communicate your plans with family and friends and check in with them frequently.
- Double Check Your Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essential items at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car that includes jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas. For a list of suggested items, go to Ready.gov/kit.
- Prepare Your Home: Ensure you know how to turn off your home’s water at the source in case a pipe bursts. Cover outside water spigots. Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
- Know Cold Weather Risks: Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
For more winter weather preparedness information, visit Ready.gov or the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
University Facilities preparation and priorities
- University Facilities will pretreat roads and sidewalks ahead of winter weather.
- In the event of significant snow or ice accumulation on library bridge, the
bridge will be closed and pedestrians should use alternate routes. - Once conditions allow, facilities staff will begin clearing roads and prioritize main building entrances and ADA entrances.
- Other requests may be delayed in order to address priorities first.
What to know for Clemson University faculty, staff and student workers
- Per South Carolina policy, when inclement weather occurs in South Carolina, state government offices and their employees follow closing decisions made by county government officials where the state offices are located, except for offices in Richland and Lexington counties.
- Offices in those counties will follow closing determinations made by the governor’s office, as communicated by the Department of Administration’s Division of State Human Resources.
- All employees are expected to work remotely to the extent possible, even if they do not typically work remote. This may vary for each employee based on their situation, their position and the weather. Faculty, staff and student workers should review the Work During Hazardous weather webpage and work with their supervisors to develop a plan.
- Faculty should prepare for the possible use of remote learning, homework exercises, alternate schedules for research, etc. to prevent disruption of teaching and research.
- While county closings have not yet been issued, a full list of closings is always available on the SCEMD county closings website.
Transportation updates
CATbus and transit updates can be found on the Parking and Transportation Services website and on Facebook.
