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Salisbury has been spared of an onslaught of severe winter weather that normally accompanies Maryland in the chilly months of the year – but not this time. As a winter storm loomed in the Midwest, it seemed that a sizeable accumulation of snow was imminent for the lower Eastern Shore region.
On Feb. 15 at 3 p.m., the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia issued a winter storm watch for Wicomico County which was in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday morning. A wind chill advisory also remained in effect until 10 a.m. Monday morning as 25 to 35 mph winds were expected.
At 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 16, the National Weather Service upgraded the winter storm watch to a warning. The watch previously meant that conditions were favorable for a winter weather event but with a warning, the threat of winter weather became imminent.
Meteorologists were forecasting eight to 12 inches of snow for Salisbury. Snow showers were expected to reach the area around 7 p.m. Monday night but the heaviest of the snowfall would occur between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Due to the threat of snow, at 3 p.m. on Feb. 16 Salisbury University Police sent out a notice that classes and activities after 5 p.m. would be canceled.
All students were asked to move their cars from all university parking lots, as well.
Despite this, Blackwell Library remained open until 6 p.m., IT labs and the Help Desk remained open until 9 p.m., Commons, Gull's Nest and Cool Beans stayed open until 8 p.m., the University Fitness Club closed at 10:30 p.m. and Maggs Physical Activity Center stayed open until 11 p.m.
As a result of heavy snowfall, Salisbury University closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, as well with essential operations remaining open. Blackwell Library opened from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dining Services opened until 7:30 p.m., Cool Beans operated from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Gull's Nest remained closed. In addition to that, IT labs and the Help Desk opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., GUC from 8 a.m. to midnight and Maggs and UFC opened at 10 a.m. and operated as scheduled.
Forecasters urged people to be wary of potentially hazardous weather conditions as the storm reduced visibility and resulted in snow-covered roads and highways due to the cold temperatures. People were also encouraged to take precautionary action against the onset of frostbite and hypothermia.
Salisbury University Police announced that all campus operations will resume on Feb. 18. at 10 a.m.