The forecast this week calls for sub-zero wind chills and the possibility for icy and slick conditions at Ohio University, where the power to cancel classes falls to the president himself.
Two cold fronts originating in Canada will move quickly through the area this week, bringing cold air and the chance for light accumulation, said Mark Pellerito, a meteorologist from the Charleston, W.Va., office of the National Weather Service.
An inch or two of snow is expected for today, but temperatures will drop to the low teens early tomorrow, he said, adding that Thursday morning the stronger of the two storms will enter the area.
A drastic temperature drop from the 20s to single digits will bring brisk conditions and by Friday morning the wind chill will be below zero, he said.
You'll certainly want to wear a nice big winter hat and avoid direct skin exposure
Pellerito said. It is January after all. It's probably one of the coldest chunks of air this season.
According to OU policy, President Roderick McDavis has the authority to cancel classes when the Athens County Sheriff's Office declares a Level 3 snow emergency, but he can delegate the authority. A Level 3 snow emergency occurs when all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel and those who disobey the order may be subject to arrest, according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.
With a possible closing university officials would evaluate all of the information available. Based on the information
the president would make a decision on whether or not we would close
said Katie Quaranta, a university spokeswoman.
Although no emergency weather fund exists, Facilities Maintenance typically budgets one day of overtime for emergency situations, she said.
- Caitlin Bowling contributed to this story.
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Emilie Schneider
