Live: Blizzard To Bring 10-12 Inches Of Snow and Subfreezing Temperatures

By Nolan Locke

A cold front is set to hit Purchase this weekend as both students and faculty prepare for roughly a foot of snow and frigid temperatures.

The freshly salted quad as Facilities prepares for the upcoming storm (Photo by Summer Tyler)

This weekend will bring snow and subfreezing temperatures on campuses, and many SUNY colleges have already decided to cancel all in-person classes for Monday. For many residents, this upcoming storm has become a cause for concern. “I’m feeling a bit nervous after seeing how seriously people are taking it, [the snowstorm]” said Jamie Colwell, a senior creative writing major. However, Colwell wasn’t the only student worried. “We're getting a whole foot of snow and that is insane,” said senior graphic design major Diego Vivar, “it’s definitely stressful to think about.” 

However, the college has been taking precautions to ensure the safety of both students and staff throughout the impending inclement weather. In a statement to the Purchase Phoenix regarding the snowstorm, college president Micheal Steiper had this to say, "the college is working to respond to [and] ensure the safety of all our students, faculty, staff, and the continuity of our academic operations. We provided early information so that everyone on campus has enough time to prepare for the storm. Our Res Life, Buildings and Grounds, and other teams are working to ensure student safety and operational readiness to manage the expected snow." 

Additionally, the college has advised both students, staff and faculty to “Please stay inside as much as possible, use extreme caution when traveling outside, dress appropriately, and be sure someone is aware of your location at all times.” Throughout the storm, Purchase will be providing updates via both email and text messages to all members of the campus community. 

Many students have begun to prepare for the storm, stocking up on essential supplies, “I’ve stocked up on food and gas,” said Colwell.

As of Sunday morning, Purchase has decided to cancel all Loop buses, further adding that they "intend to run full service on Monday," per an email sent by the college.

As of 1 p.m. Sunday winds have reached 12 miles per hour as temperatures continue to drop and snow continues to add up. Forecasts say to expect anywhere from 8-10 inches with roughly 3 inches already accumulating on the ground.

Snow falling heavily around 1 p.m. near The Olde apartments. (Photo by Summer Tyler)

Snowplows have been driving around campus, clearing the snow from paths and parking lots. Though trucks have been spotted, students are still worried about leaving their apartments. "My heart goes out to the plow workers," said Sophia Kamensky, a junior film major and Olde resident. "I feel like we'll know more once the snow stops, but I am quite concerned about getting around on campus."

A plow clearing the road near Fort Awesome at around 1 p.m.

More updates to come throughout the duration of the blizzard.