Dear Hawkeye,

We want to make you aware that Johnson County is under multiple weather warnings and watches from the National Weather Service, including a Winter Storm Warning through 5 p.m. today; a Blizzard Warning from 5 p.m. today through noon Saturday; and a Wind Chill Watch from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning, when we could see wind chills dropping below –35 degrees at various times. These wind chills can cause frostbite in less than 10 minutes.

Due to the forecast of extreme weather, the University of Iowa will not hold in-person classes on Tuesday, Jan. 16. 

All new student welcome events planned for Sunday, Jan. 14, through Tuesday, Jan. 16, are canceled. In-person classes will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 17, unless otherwise announced.

In addition, we urge you to be cautious as you plan your arrival to campus this weekend.

Important information for moving into your residence hall

• If you already have your room key(s) and Iowa One card, you can skip checking in at the desk and use our new online self check-in process when you arrive on campus. Complete the online self-check in when you are about 15 minutes from campus and door access will be activated when you arrive.
• Work orders for facilities concerns will be managed as quickly as we are able, triaged by urgent and routine. Submit your request online: housing.uiowa.edu/fix-it
• Do not prop open exterior doors of your residence hall while moving back in. The extreme temperatures could cause freezing of life safety and heating systems.
• When taking trash to the dumpster, please do not leave any extra materials on the ground as they will freeze and will not be seen due to snow cover.

Dining operations during severe weather

• Market places will be open, starting Saturday, Jan. 13. They may not have all the menu items listed online, as some of our deliveries were postponed because of weather. 
• Retail food service locations may adjust hours, which could affect those planning to use flex meals this weekend.

Office closures on campus

• The University Service Center office will remain closed today, Friday, Jan. 12, due to the snowstorm, and will be closed through Monday. If you need an ID card, be sure to contact the office before making the trip. 

Winter weather safety reminders

• To stay safe and protect yourself from the dangerous temperatures, limit your time outdoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
• Dress warmly by wearing layers and stay dry and out of the wind.
• Review these winter weather safety tips for additional information.
• You can review the university’s Extreme Weather Plan on the Campus Safety website.

Stay safe, Hawkeyes! We’re excited to get the spring 2024 semester underway.  

-University Housing and Dining