URI Public Safety urges community members to stay home during dangerous winter storm

January 28, 2022

As National Weather Service issues winter storm, blizzard warnings for Rhode Island, University announces several closings, cancellations for Saturday, Jan. 29.

The University’s Department of Public Safety cannot state strongly enough that the majority of the University’s faculty, staff and students should remain at home and off campus and area roads throughout the upcoming powerful and dangerous storm. This guidance does not apply to employees involved in storm response and essential campus operations.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm and blizzard warnings from midnight tonight, Jan. 28, to midnight Saturday, Jan. 29. Snow accumulations could range from 18 to 24 inches and travel would be extremely difficult to impossible. In addition, travel might still be difficult Sunday, Jan. 30, as crews here at URI and around the region work to clear roads, walkways and parking areas.

Students who need assistance during the storm for instance, if a power failure occurs, should call 401-874-4910.

In preparation for the storm, the University has instituted a full parking ban, which will start today, Jan. 28, at  6 p.m. and continue through Sunday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. The University’s on-demand Rhody Safe Rides van will not operate Saturday, Jan. 29.

Health Services

Health Services and its COVID-19 testing operation will be closed Saturday, Jan. 29. There could be a delayed opening at the Potter Building clinic on Sunday, Jan. 30, so be sure to check hours for up-to-date information. For medical emergencies, call 911.

Campus Recreation

The Anna Fascitelli Fitness Center and the Mackal/Tootell/Keaney Complex will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 29, and may have a delayed opening Sunday, Jan. 30, so be sure to check here for up-to-date information.

Carothers Library and Learning Commons

The library will be closed Saturday, Jan. 29. However, the 24-hour room will remain open.

Department of Music

The Department of Music has canceled these programs, originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29:

  • All student auditions
  • Collage Concert, originally scheduled for  1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center

It has also rescheduled the URI Opera Workshop and Warwick Symphony Orchestra concert set for Sunday, Jan. 30, to Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m.

Other closures – Jan. 29