Winter Storm January 19 – 21, 2019 (Updated 1/20/19 11:40 am)

This weekend’s winter storm that resulted in heavy snowfall is slowly moving out of our area. While the snowfall is decreasing we still anticipate strong winds, and extremely dangerous cold temperatures through Monday. Expect decreased visibility, dangerous windchill temperatures, and continued poor road conditions. Visit the National Weather Service for the latest weather forecast.

Check the Cornell Dining Eateries web page for the current status of campus food services.
Click to jump down to view all changes and cancellation announcements.


Message from Vice President Lombardi regarding student travel back to campus.

Message from Vice President Opperman to members of the Cornell Community.

If you are planning to travel this weekend, consider the following:

  • Adjust your travel plans so you arrive before the storm starts or travel after the storm passes. If you become stranded on a roadway the very cold temperatures will present an extreme hazard.
  • If you must travel, monitor the weather forecast and road conditions along your travel route.
  • Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the weather, carry a vehicle emergency supply kit, and reduce speed when driving on wet, snow covered, or icy roads.
  •  If your plans include bus, train, or plane travel then check with your carrier regarding delays and cancellations.

Strong winds and extreme cold temperatures will create dangerously low windchill temperatures on Sunday and Monday. Prepare properly if you have to be outside.

  • Dress in multiple layers that completely cover your body.
  • Wear an insulated, windproof/waterproof jacket.
  • Wear boots or other sturdy waterproof shoes.
  • Wear gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf or face mask.
  • Limit your time outside and be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Any changes to Cornell’s operating status will be posted here and distributed through CornellALERT emergency messages.

We have been notified of the following changes and cancellations:

  • TCAT is resuming bus service. Visit the TCAT Alerts web page for information on the resumption times for various routes and current status of TCAT services. 
  • Cornell Store retail locations are closed on Sunday, January 20 due to the winter storm. For information regarding Cornell Store hours visit this Cornell Store web page or call (607) 255-4111.
  • All Panhellenic events scheduled for Sunday, January 20 and Monday, January 21 have been CANCELED and will be rescheduled.
  • Community Center Schedule Changes
    • Willard Straight Hall – CLOSED Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20
    • Robert Purcell Community Center – OPEN 24 hours on Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20.
  • For the latest schedule changes for campus food service venues visit the Cornell Dining Eateries web page.
  • Catholic Mass in Sage Chapel scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, 2019 has been CANCELLED.
  • The Cornell Campus to Campus and the Coach USA Shortline bus services have cancelled scheduled trips in both directions between Ithaca and New York City on Sunday, January 20, 2019. Campus to Campus has also cancelled all Saturday, January 19 trips leaving after 9:30 a.m.
  • Various Cornell Sports events scheduled for this weekend have been rescheduled or canceled. Up to date information on schedule changes and cancellations can be found at CornellBigRed.com and these Cornell Sports social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We welcome everyone back to campus for the spring semester and encourage you to take care and stay safe through this winter storm.

Welcome to Cornell’s Emergency Management web site.

This website provides the Cornell community with important information before, during, and after campus emergencies.  We encourage you to bookmark this site and explore it to better prepare before an emergency occurs.

cornell alertEmergency Messages

CornellALERT is the university’s emergency notification system and is used for situations involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of the community.  Active CornellALERT messages appear in the right sidebar of this website (at the top of the page on mobile and small screen devices).

You can receive alerts on your cellular phone if you have provided your contact information or installed the Rave Guardian app and activated it for the Cornell Ithaca Campus. Messages are also sent to the @cornell.edu e-mail addresses of current students, employees, and affiliates.

If you receive a CornellALERT message you should promptly follow the directions given in the message and monitor this emergency web site for additional information.

What to do in an Emergency

CALL 911 for any situation that requires IMMEDIATE police, fire, or medical response to preserve life or property. From cellular phones call Cornell Police at 607-255-1111 or use a Blue Light or indoor emergency phone.

The Emergency Action Guide provides information about what you should do in the case of various emergencies. The Emergency Action Guide appears in the left sidebar of this website and moves to the bottom of the page on mobile and small screen devices. Take a few minutes to read through the guides so you know what actions to take during an emergency.

Preparing for Emergencies

It is everyone’s responsibility to be ready for emergencies before they occur. Use the following pages to help you prepare.

Got 2 minutes? Watch this video to learn how to do Hands Only CPR!