All Ohio University campuses closed yesterday after snow and freezing rain led to a Level 3 snow emergency in Athens County as well as dangerous road conditions throughout the region.
Sheriff Pat Kelly issued the warning at about 5:30 a.m. yesterday.
Becky Watts, chief of staff to OU President Roderick McDavis, said there was no doubt at all about canceling classes because the weather made the morning commute onto campus difficult.
We weren't sure we could get everything in order in time she said.
Phone calls to the OU Police Department were mostly people seeking closing information, and they had no more calls than usual, said OU Police Chief Andrew Powers.
I think people heeded the fact that campus is closed and most decided to stay in Powers said. Simply keeping the numbers down limits the number of problems.
The biggest issue the OUPD has faced because of weather is falling tree limbs, he said. Other concerns were traffic safety, keeping the sidewalks cleared and students losing Internet access.
Baker University Center closed at 5 p.m. yesterday.
Despite the conditions, students enjoyed the winter landscape. Many used cardboard, dining hall trays, laundry baskets and plastic lids to sled down the slope at Jefferson Hill.
Andrew Morris, a sophomore studying psychology, said he spent the morning outside.
I was surprised we got so much snow here
he said.
Lindsay Castle and Jenny Bak, both sophomores studying journalism, chose to use a sled made of a plastic laundry basket, after attempting to use a plastic storage lid.
Students also sought shelter in the bars during the snow day to cure boredom and because many lost power.
Laurie Merrifield, a senior studying French and Spanish and bartender at Jackie O's, 24 W. Union St., said business had been busy since the bar opened at 11:30 a.m.
I just think people take the opportunity (to go to the bars) when things slow down
she said. Everyone's having fun.
Matt Tarnowski
a senior studying biological sciences
spent part of his day off at The Union Bar and Grill
18 W. Union St.
with friends.
We figured with the power being out to hang out with good friends and good times, with power, he said.
A Level 3 snow emergency is when all roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel
according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.
Uncertified vehicles on the road during Level 3 conditions can be ticketed
Kelly said.
The university officially reopened last night
