This message is being sent to all Duke graduate, professional, and undergraduate students:
Dear students,
Forecasts are calling for a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain in Durham this weekend. We want to share a brief update and a few reminders to help you plan ahead, prepare, and stay safe.
DukeAlert is the University’s primary source for time-sensitive weather and campus updates. Please continue to monitor DukeAlert throughout the weekend.
What to Expect
Snow and sleet are expected to transition to freezing rain overnight Saturday into Sunday, which may lead to slick roads, sidewalks, and walkways. The current forecast also calls for very cold temperatures Saturday night and Sunday night. Duke teams are preparing campus by treating priority roads and pathways, but conditions may still be hazardous.
Campus Operations
Transportation: Duke bus services may experience delays or suspensions. Check TransLoc and DukeAlert for updates.
Dining: Duke Dining is preparing for weather impact and working to ensure meals are available. Some sites may have adjusted hours. For the latest updates, visit the campus dining hours page.
Duke Libraries: The Music Library and all Perkins, Bostock, and Rubenstein Library spaces will close at 3pm tomorrow, Saturday, January 24. See Duke Libraries Hours for information on Sunday hours.
Safety and Preparedness Reminders
Stay indoors whenever possible and avoid unnecessary travel on icy roads.
Use caution when walking outside; avoid sloped surfaces, stairs, ramps, and untreated pathways. Keep an eye out for snow equipment and stay alert to conditions if you’re outside.
Dress appropriately for cold and wet conditions if you must go out.
Charge phones, laptops, and backup batteries - now’s a good time to charge power banks if you have them!
Keep essential items on hand, including food, water, flashlights, blankets, pet supplies, etc.
Confirm you have at least a week’s supply of any prescription medications or daily health supplies (such as contact lens solution). Take time today to get ahead of the weather. Get your additional supplies or contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy if you need to arrange for a medication refill.
In case of power outages, use flashlights-not candles-in residence halls.
Housing and Utilities
If you’re living on campus and experience heating, power, or utility issues in your residence hall or apartment, report them to the Housing and Residence Life office or your RA on call:
East Campus: 919-684-5320 | eastcampushrl@duke.edu
Swift, Blue Light, Lancaster Commons, and SmartHome: 919-684-5813 | rlhs-EastSwift@duke.edu
West Campus: 919-684-5486 | upperclasscampus@duke.edu
Students living off campus should prepare for possible power outages by gathering essentials like water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and first aid kits. If the power goes out, visit the Duke Energy website to report an outage and for status updates on when power will be restored.
Health and Well-Being Support
Your well-being remains a priority during weather disruptions. Duke’s 24/7 Nurse Advice Line is available at 919-681-9355, both during business hours and after hours, as is 24/7 mental health crisis support at 919-660-1000, option 2. TimelyCare will also be available at this time if you need support. Duke MyChart is accessible via the mobile app and may be helpful if internet or power access is limited.
Stay Informed
Please continue to monitor DukeAlert for the most up-to-date information throughout the storm. Be assured that many support teams will be staying on campus to ensure continuous operations and monitor conditions in the next few days.
Additional updates about next week and classes will be shared over the course of the weekend.
Game Time Update
The men’s basketball game has been moved to 12:00 p.m. this Saturday. Grab your ticket and spend a couple of warm hours cheering on your classmates as they take on the Demon Deacons in Cameron! Take care of yourselves and one another, stay warm, and stay safe.
Go Duke,
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice President/Vice Provost of Student Affairs
