West Virginia University is to be commended for canceling classes after 1 p.m. Friday and Monday.
The prospect of heavy snowstorms was cause for great concern for students heading to their classes as well as faculty and staff nervous about their journeys home.
The University’s decision to cancel before West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin’s decision to declare a state of emergency was also appreciated.
The continued aftermath of unsafe roads, hidden sidewalks and patches of ice also caused concern for Monday and will probably do so throughout the week.
The delivery methods in which the University was able to convey the closure – information screens around campus, e-mails and WVU Alert messages to cell-phones across campus – worked swiftly and efficiently.
It was an effective and appropriate response to the oncoming snowstorm.
As Friday progressed, concerns were shared that the constant switch between icy rain and snow could cause traffic problems, especially on sidewalks and untreated roads.
Thankfully, the decision meant the chance of danger was minimal at best for all concerned.
As the night progressed, the judgment was proved right – roads throughout Morgantown were closed due to icy and dangerous driving conditions.
Monday’s conditions continued to deteriorate as the cold temperatures left icy roads slick and parking lots inescapable.
We hope the University continues to act with swift action and appropriate judgment with classes Wednesday and potentially late today.
Morgantown is, at press time, under a winter storm warning with the threat of 5 inches to 9 inches of extra snowfall by Wednesday.
The University has asked professors, faculty and staff to be considerate of those who can’t make it to work and classes.
We urge everyone to act with a sense of caution when traveling to class and work.
This weather provides dangerous pedestrian and travel conditions that aren’t worth risking lives for.
We will continue to update our Web site throughout the day whether or not the University has canceled classes early or for the remainder of the day and Wednesday at www.thedaonline.com.
We urge readers to sign up for WVU Alert to stay informed at http://alert.wvu.edu for breaking news alerts about classes and campus safety.
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