Seasonal Reminders for Winter Weather
WashU teams across both the Danforth and Medical Campuses work proactively to prepare for winter weather and maintain safe access for our community. During snow or ice events, please keep the following in mind:
Be patient with the process.
Operations, Facilities, and grounds crews begin preparations well before a storm arrives. Snow and ice removal takes time, especially during periods of extreme cold and wind chill. Their safety remains a top priority as they work across both campuses.
Priority areas are cleared first.
Teams focus initially on locations essential to life safety and campus operations. These include — but are not limited to — Public Safety, Student and Occupational Health, Residential Life, loading and service areas, major walkways, fire lanes, and roads needed for emergency vehicles, shuttles, and Metro services. Medical Campus parking structures and clinical access routes are also prioritized to support patient care and clinical operations.
Every storm behaves differently.
Snow and ice events vary in precipitation type, temperature, timing, and duration. Response plans are tailored to each storm to ensure the safest and most effective treatment approach for both campuses.
Report unsafe conditions.
If you encounter icy or hazardous areas (such as ice patches or compacted snow), on the Danforth Campus call 314-935-5544. For the Medical Campus, call 314-935-4357.
Give yourself extra time, move carefully, and stay weather-aware.
Together, we are WashU Ready.
Winter Weather Conditions & University Resources
When winter weather impacts our region, safety and preparedness are our top priorities. Washington University offers several resources to help employees and managers plan ahead, stay informed, and adjust operations as needed.
Learn more about university policies, transportation options, and communication tools that support campus operations during winter weather events.
News for now
WashU emergency conditions policy
This policy applies during emergency conditions that may include severe winter weather that has the potential to compromise life safety or significantly disrupt university operations.
WashU Safe app
The university safety app, WashU Safe, offers enhanced features such as Friend Walk, Mobile Bluelight, safety notifications, access to emergency procedures and MORE!
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EPC and KMC program information
The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) and Key Management Contact (KMC) program is a university-wide initiative, designed to help each department or school prepare to respond to emergencies on campus. Department managers should designate an EPC and KMC, who will attend trainings on how to assist with immediate response actions during an emergency. For more information click here. For upcoming training click here.
Training
The focus of the Emergency Management Training Program is to provide appropriate and relevant training courses to personnel that may have roles and responsibilities in a disaster event. Learn more on the
Be Ready for Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
Understanding the Risk
Severe weather in the St. Louis region can develop quickly. WashU Emergency Management wants you to be prepared and know how to act when tornadoes or destructive thunderstorms are in the forecast.