Although the spring semester has begun, don’t let this name deceive you. We are still in the grip of the winter season, a fact made very clear by this weekend’s weather. With the storm beginning last night and overnight temperatures falling into the single digits, we are experiencing a winter storm unlike any seen in years. Here is what to expect in the days ahead, and perhaps how to keep yourself occupied during the storm.
While Fairfield students are no strangers to cold weather, this storm stands apart not just because of the heavy snow and extreme temperatures, but because of how long it is expected to last.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to have started today, Sunday the 25th, after 7:00 a.m., gradually coating Fairfield in a thick powder coating. While highs may reach 28 degrees F, strong winds will make it feel much colder, with wind chills between 5 and 10 degrees F. By the night there will be no difference, with snow and sleet expected to continue into the evening, accumulating what is expected to to be between 9-14 inches of snow. Additionally, there is a chance of freezing rain overnight. Monday will likely see more snow, and with the cold and heavy conditions, expect to see very few people outside.
Due to the storm, the university is taking precautions to ensure all students’ safety. In an email sent by the Stag Alert system on Friday, the university explained that on campus services such as the Tully and the Rec Plex hours will be limited to on campus residents only until Monday the 26th. In addition to this, the buses will also be suspended today and tomorrow.
In another email sent by The Office of Residence Life, students were advised to keep their heat on and windows closed, in rooms, lounges and common areas to prevent frozen pipes. It is also stated that any damages resulting from violations will be the responsibility of the resident.
In person classes across campus will also be suspended tomorrow, however, students are still encouraged to check their emails for alternatives to in-person classes.
Following tomorrow, the rest of the week will remain cold, with highs in the low to mid-20s and overnight lows dropping as low as 4 degrees F. The University will continue to provide updates on class cancellations and campus services as the week progresses.
While this storm may be keeping us mostly indoors, it doesn’t mean your weekend has to be boring. You can make the most of your snow day by binging a new show, reading a good book, or getting ahead on assignments with a warm drink nearby. For the more adventurous students though, this weekend provides the perfect opportunity to continue the long standing Fairfield sledding tradition. Just be sure to bundle up and stay safe.
I’m sure you’ve all heard about the new hit TV series Heated Rivalry. If you haven’t yet, maybe this storm is the perfect time to grab a blanket and finally see what all the hype is about. For something a little more familiar, Friends is a classic that is comforting, funny and perfect for all seasons, whether you are watching for the first time or the tenth. If a good book is more your speed, a snow day is the perfect time to open up one that’s been sitting on your shelf for a while, or download one digitally. The Midnight Library is one of those perfect books that serves as a reflective and comforting read, an idea for a winter night.
And of course, no snow day is complete without the right soundtrack. Maybe think about queuing up “Sweater Weather” by the neighborhood or Taylor Swift’s “Snow on the Beach.”
Lastly, if you are looking to brave the storm and get down that library lawn sometime tonight or tomorrow, make sure to do it in style. Traditional sleds work great, but as you know, not very many people come to school with a sled. So in true Fairfield fashion, here are a few ideas to get you started. The tops of Rubbermaid containers work great, along with old pieces of cardboard, or even just an old binder you can clean out. For those feeling extra adventurous, let’s just say past years have shown that some groups got a little too creative with what they had lying around, though we’ll leave the mattresses in our memories and our dorms this time.
Winter storms may slow us down but they won’t bring our spirits down.
