MATTHEW KERSTEN
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Due to the 18 inches of snowfall that occurred earlier this week, Niagara University closed for everyone but essential personnel on March 14 and 15. An e-mail sent to students at 5:04 a.m. on the 14th informed students of the closing and another e-mail sent at 9:56 p.m. later that same day informed students that the school would remain closed the following day.
Prior to this week, this winter’s weather was abnormally warm and lacking in snow. The weather conditions of previous winters were much colder and taxing.
More extreme winter weather causes more dangerous road conditions. Ice and snow make pavement slippery and must be cleared away for the sake of maintaining the safety of drivers.
When parking lots on campus must be cleared, a Blue Light Snow Removal Notification is issued. This notification specifies which areas are to be cleared on which date. These notifications have not been common this semester.
When one of these notifications is issued, vehicles must be removed from the specified areas prior to 5:30 p.m. Vehicles can be temporarily parked at Power Vistas C or B2, Butler, University Drive, Kiernan, the daytime side of Dwyer, and Facility Services.
Revolving blue lights on the light posts around campus switch on to provide an additional indication that snow will be cleared that day. After the snow has been removed, vehicles should be returned to their original locations. Vehicles left in restricted areas will be towed.
In the events of exceptionally severe weather conditions, school may be cancelled.
A survey was distributed to various students to determine how safe they feel both on campus and traveling to campus. Students were also asked to assess how this winter compares with previous winters in terms of weather on campus. Results are TBD.
Niagara Wire 