Inclement Weather Procedure

When there is inclement weather, the campus community will be informed by either by 4 p.m. the day before the weather is to occur or by 6 a.m. the day of. Options include campus operating as usual, a 2-hour delayed start with a modified class schedule, or a campus closure. Simpson Alert for Emergency (SAFE) Messages with this decision will be sent via RAVE to Simpson email, text, and Guardian App.

Please refer to the chart below see recommended actions regarding inclement weather procedure.

Inclement Weather Products & Simpson College Recommended Actions
Product*	Criteria*	Recommended Actions
Winter Storm Warning	1. Snow – at least 6 inches in 12 hours or at least 8 inches in 24 hours 2. Sleet – 1 inch or more 3. A combination of 1 &/or 2, along with freezing rain &/or winds of at least 25 mph	Potential for campus to be closed w/residents & essential personnel (e.g., security, food service, campus services, housing) on campus only.
Blizzard Warning	A combination of sustained winds or frequent wind gusts of at least 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 of a mile due to snow and/or blowing snow for at least three straight hours.	Potential for campus to be closed w/residents & essential personnel (e.g., security, food service, campus services, housing) on campus only.
Ice Storm Warning	A freezing rain event in which ice accumulations are expected to be at least 1/4 inch thick.	Potential for campus to be closed w/residents & essential personnel (e.g., security, food service, campus services, housing) on campus only.
Extreme Cold Warning	Dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is expected.	Regular operations anticipated, but continue to monitor weather conditions and predictions.
Winter Weather Advisory	1. Snow – between 1 and 5 inches 2. Sleet – less than 1 inch 3. Freezing Rain/Drizzle – less than 1/4 inch 4. Blowing Snow – visibility occasionally reduced to 1/4 of a mile due to blowing snow with winds less than 35 mph	Regular operations anticipated, but continue to monitor weather conditions and predictions closely.
Extreme Cold Watch	Dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is possible.	Regular operations anticipated.
Area Schools Cancelled or Late Start	Due to various reasons, the local school districts have cancelled school or have a late start.	Simpson College decisions are autonomous from local schools’ decisions.

*Product & Criteria based on National Weather Service (NWS) definitions