The National Weather Service released a winter storm warning for central North Carolina Thursday afternoon, predicting measurable snow in Durham for the first time in over 1,000 days.
The most recent NWS alert for Durham as of the time of publication cautions against hazardous conditions beginning at 1 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday. Duke has also activated its severe weather and emergency conditions policy from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 p.m. Saturday, affecting both the University and the health system.
During that time, residents can expect “heavy mixed precipitation” with up to three inches of snow and sleet accumulations, as well as two-tenths of an inch of ice.
“Slippery road conditions” may impact Friday evening commutes. The NWS recommends “delay[ing] all travel if possible,” urging those in the affected area to drive “with extreme caution” and only if “absolutely necessary.” Drivers can call 511 for updated road conditions in their state.
The news comes days after reports of “light snow” near Duke University Hospital Sunday. Prior to this week, the city had not experienced measurable snowfall since Jan 29, 2022 — nearly three years ago, marking the second-longest snow drought in Triangle history.
To prepare for the storm, Duke crews are applying brine to campus streets, parking lot entries, outdoor walkways and staircases. Crews will also be available to assist over the course of the storm.
Many University services may see changes in operating hours over the weekend.
According to a Thursday evening DukeAlert, faculty “have the flexibility on Friday to continue on-site classes or move to online delivery, as appropriate.” All in-person Friday classes after 6 p.m. have been canceled.
Bus routes will be dependent on weather conditions, but the University plans to make “every effort” to continue the normal schedule for the C1 and operate Duke Vans until midnight on Friday. The Brodie and Wilson Recreation Centers plan to follow their normal schedules during the weekend.
The Student Mailbox Center may close early on Friday, per a Thursday afternoon email to students. Jewish Life at Duke also cancelled in-person Shabbat services at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life Friday night. Instead, students can pick up Shabbat dinner from the center between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Friday.
Some Duke Health clinics may see adjustments to their operating hours based on local conditions. Status updates will be posted to the Duke Health website.
In accordance with Duke’s Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions policy, the University and health system are required to maintain essential services including “maintaining hospital operations, supporting students in residence, operating research facilities and providing necessary support and administrative services.”
University jobs are placed into three different categories that have different responsibilities during severe weather events. Essential service workers are required to be on site, while reserve service workers are not immediately required for service but may be upgraded to essential workers based on current needs. Delayed service workers do not have to report for work during such an event.
Per the DukeAlert, managers are “encouraged to be flexible and allow team members to work remotely on Friday.” Non-essential employees “should be allowed to leave campus by noon Friday.”
Several resident assistants have sent messages to students cautioning them about the storm and encouraging students to remain indoors and limit travel plans.
Duke community members can receive real-time updates from the University at the DukeAlert website, on Working@Duke on X and through Duke Today. Information about University policy, resources and instructions on what to do during a severe weather event is available on the Duke Emergency Management Website.
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Ishita Vaid is a Trinity junior and a senior editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.