Michigan State University calls off classes for only the 7th time in its history.

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EAST LANSING — Michigan State University has called off classes Wednesday "due to anticipated and sustained severe wind chills below -20 degrees F."

Classes will be suspended starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at all MSU locations, the university said in a post on its website.

"While online instruction may continue, faculty will not penalize students who do not participate during a university-declared suspension of classes."

MSU HealthTeam clinics will also be closed Wednesday.

It took MSU 110 years to call its first snow day on Jan. 27, 1967, following 26 inches of snowfall.

They have only canceled class a handful of times since.

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https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2019/01/29/msu-winter-weather-michigan-state-wind-chill-snow-classes-canceled/2701335002/
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Of course, all full-time faculty and staff are expected to report. I think that sucks. They should value their people more than that, but, as the Nassar debacle showed, good sense and compassion doesn't appear to be their strong suit. It isn't snowing here now, but the wind has really picked up and is blowing around the snow that fell yesterday. The wind is expected to shift from northwest to west, which will bring 2" - 5" of lake effect snow into the Lansing area late tonight into tomorrow.

[Siwsan]

1. Maybe they figure staff doesn't have to walk between buildings?

Just a thought, although there is still a massive risk just getting to work. For example, if a car breaks down?!?!?!?!

They still haven't cleared the street in my subdivision, which is highly unusual. I'd have a hard time just getting to the main road without getting stuck and I know I'm not the only one in this situation.

[Pathwalker]

3. It's a wide open campus, aned buildings are often

blocks away from each other. Plus there are so many sidewalks that it takes days to clear them all. Roads, as I'm sure you know, are also miserable, so this is a wise move. They were criticized for not closing on Monday, especially by the local meteorologists.

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4. I don't know what their justification is. They just added us to the Winter Storm Warning area

until 1:000 p.m. on Thursday. Some pretty impressive lake effect snow bands have been setting up and Lansing is right in their path. It's snowing and blowing right now. I haven't been outside since Saturday and I probably won't go outside until Thursday. Retirement does have its advantages, lol. Stay warm!

[TheBlackAdder]

2. In NJ, my water company sent out emails and a phone call advising to prepare for frigid temps.

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With extremely cold weather in the forecast, New Jersey American Water reminds customers to take necessary measures to prevent frozen household pipes. Protect your home by wrapping exposed pipes with insulation and eliminate sources of cold air near any waterlines. We also recommend allowing a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately. To thaw pipes, apply heat from a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water. DO NOT USE a torch or open flame. For more tips on preventing frozen pipes, visit newjerseyamwater.com, Click on Water Information, and Wise Water Use.

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