On Feb. 16, the Ithaca College Alert Emergency Notification System sent out two emergency notifications to students, faculty and staff via phone call, text and email to give updates about the extreme ice and snow in the area.
According to the National Weather Service, Tompkins County is under two extreme weather warnings. The first warning is a high wind warning that states there will be wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of wind reaching 60 mph. This warning is in place from 6:58 p.m. Feb. 16 through 7 p.m. Feb. 17.
“Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows,” NWS wrote in the alert. “Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”
The NWS also released a special weather statement that warned of snow and a flash freeze. The statement advises caution.
“Roads and sidewalks which contained standing water and slush have started to refreeze across most of the region leading to slick and hazardous surfaces,” NWS wrote in the alert. “Continue to allow extra time if traveling overnight as temperatures continue to fall. Slick conditions may continue into the Monday morning commute as well.”
The college sent its first warning out at 6 p.m. advising against any unnecessary travel due to ice and snow-covered roads. The second alert was sent at 7:55 p.m. and informed the campus community that the Office of Facilities’ crews are treating roadways and walkways on campus. The statement also said Tompkins County is under a travel advisory.
According to AccuWeather, the City of Ithaca is predicted to get 1-3 inches of snow accumulation Feb. 16 and there is a 65% chance of snowfall Feb. 17, but no accumulation. On Feb. 20, there is a 67% chance of snow with about one inch of snowfall expected.
