Winter Weather Safety

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Winter Weather

Any changes to university operations are only made under defined circumstances; cold weather, by itself, does not warrant class cancellations or operational changes. There are thousands of students on campus who require residential services as well as research projects and critical infrastructure that require constant monitoring. Because of this, it is vital that MSU maintains critical services to ensure the safety of staff, students, and faculty. We encourage everyone to take precautions, look out for one another, and support your fellow Spartans whenever possible during winter weather events. 
 

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Indoor Safety Tips

  • Keep windows closed. Leaving them open, even for a short period of time, can damage pipes and heating systems.
  • Doors and blinds should also stay closed to keep warm air inside.  
  • Keep windows closed; leaving them open, even for a short period of time, can damage pipes and heating systems. Doors and blinds should also stay closed to keep warm air inside.
  • Leave the heat on; it’s okay to dial back the temperature in your space, however, shutting off thermostats completely can lead to freezing conditions indoors.
  • Make sure that all of your electronic devices are fully charged. If the power goes out save battery power by minimizing device use. Keep a back-up power source on hand.

Outdoor Safety Tips

  • Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.  
  • Watch for slippery conditions.
  • Wear several layers of loose clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
  • Make sure to protect the ears, face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather. Boots should be waterproof and insulated. Wear a hat; it will keep your whole body warmer.
  • Move into warm locations during work breaks and try to limit the amount of time outside on extremely cold days.
  • Carry cold weather gear, such as extra socks, gloves, hats, jacket, blankets, a change of clothes and a thermos of hot liquid.
  • Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

Travel Tips

  • Don't travel if it isn't necessary.
  • Carefully plan trips and avoid being outside for extended periods of time.
  • Be aware of slippery road conditions and limited visibility. Even after crews have been out, there may still be patches of ice/snow on the roads and sidewalks.
  • Don't crowd the plow.

For more information on winter weather safety, visit ready.gov/winter-ready. 

Campus Traffic Tips

  • Drivers and pedestrians should give themselves extra time when traveling throughout campus.  
  • Pedestrians are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway and know that it may take vehicles significantly more time to stop in snowy, wet, or icy conditions.  
  • If on campus, don't park in residence hall loops. MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities needs these areas clear for snow plowing.  
  • Faculty and staff should park university and personal vehicles in parking structures, if possible, to make it easier for surface lots to be cleared of snow.

Winter Weather Definitions

Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.  Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines. Small accumulations of ice can be a significant hazard.  An inch or more of ice can paralyze a region for days to a week or more.  Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers.

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when a low pressure system produces a combination of winter weather (snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc.) that present a hazard, but does not meet warning criteria.  Weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous.  Caution should be used if traveling.  This generally indicates in the Lower Peninsula: 4 to 5 inches are expected in a 12-hour period.  In the Upper Peninsula: 4 to 7 inches of snow are anticipated in that same time period.

This product is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.  Conditions are favorable for severe winter weather, with the possibility of heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow—or a combination of events.

Severe winter conditions are imminent.  This product is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations.  A winter storm warning for heavy snow generally indicates snowfalls of at least 8 inches.

Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less.  These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.

Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside.  The National Weather Service provides a chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs.  For more information, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/cold/wind_chill.shtml.

Issued during the growing season when surface temperatures are expected to drop below freezing over a large area for an extended period of time.

Issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location and/or timing is still uncertain. 

Issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are expected or occurring. 

Modified Operations


During an emergency the university may decide to move to modified operations. Modified operations mean there is an official temporary suspension or delay of university operations due to severe weather, major utility failure, or other unusual circumstances which may endanger students and/or employees. The decision to move to modified operations is made by the President or an authorized designee. Colleges, departments, schools, and other campus units cannot move to modified operations on their own. For additional information about the modified operations policy, please visit the faq page. 
 

Communications

Looking Back: When Weather Altered MSU Operations


Since its founding in 1855, Michigan State University has only altered operations seven times due to severe weather conditions. These rare instances highlight the university’s long-standing commitment to maintaining normal operations despite Michigan’s challenging climate.

To learn more about these previous operational changes, you can explore MSU’s official archives or historical records on campus closures.

University Health and Wellbeing

As a health promoting campus, we aim to support a university community with health and wellbeing equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life, enhancing accessibility and safety through a culturally sensitive and holistic lens.

Visit uhw.msu.edu

Download Safe MSU

Designed with input from students, faculty and staff, the SafeMSU App provides access to valuable safety resources direct to Spartan’s hands.

Download the app

Live On Information

Whether you are a lifelong Michigander or this is your first winter with us, we wanted to share some important winter information with you. Please review the following and pay attention to weather forecasts, current temperature, emergency alerts, and dress appropriately.  

Visit liveon.msu.edu

IPF Snow Removal 2025

At MSU safety is a top priority and that includes clearing the roads and sidewalks of snow and ice. Our teams in IPF are out early (and sometimes late) to ensure they are keeping up with falling snow. 

Visit ipf.msu.edu