WMU closes all campuses, cancels classes for second day due to ice storm

Contact: Megan Looker

February 23, 2023

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Except for essential services, all Western Michigan University campuses are closed and there will be no classes on Thursday, Feb. 23, due to an ice storm in the area. This is the fifth time in recent history that the University has closed for consecutive days, and the first time since 2019.

This article will be updated with special hours as information becomes available. Check the University's events calendar to confirm whether an event is canceled. Those who have posted items to the calendar are expected to update the event post to indicate whether the activity will continue as planned or is canceled.

WMU Department of Public Safety advised anyone on or near campus to limit their travel. For those who must go out, the department urges taking extreme caution walking under trees due to the heavy limbs and branches that will continue to fall throughout the day.

CAMPUS SERVICES

The Bernhard Center is open until 10 p.m. Subway and PNC Bank are both open.
Dining Services—The Valley Dining Center will close at 8 p.m. All Campus Cafès, including Cafè 1903 and Late-night Carryout, are closed today.
The Sindecuse Health Center pharmacy, clinic and Counseling Services are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for patients who are able to safely attend appointments. Patients may cancel or reschedule in the patient portal. All appointments before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. have been canceled.
The Student Recreation Center will be open from 1-5 p.m. All programming for fitness, intramural sports and club sports is canceled. The rec center's showers will be available to WMU faculty, staff, students and their families by showing their Bronco card if they do not have power at home.
All University Libraries locations are closed today.

WEATHER-RELATED UNIVERSITY CLOSINGS SINCE 1999

1999, Jan. 4-5—Heavy snowfall delayed the start of spring semester.
2000, Nov. 21-22—Thanksgiving recess began Tuesday because of snow.
2006, Dec. 1—An ice storm downed trees and caused power outages.
2007, Feb. 5—Extreme cold and snow closed many Michigan colleges.
2008, Feb. 1—WMU closed due to snow.
2009, Dec. 10—Blizzard conditions closed WMU.
2013, Jan. 31—Snow and icy conditions closed WMU.
2014, Jan. 6-7—Significant snowfall and expected severely cold temperatures prompted many Michigan colleges to close. The closure delayed the start of spring semester.
2014, Jan. 27—Snow and cold temperatures closed WMU.
2014, Nov. 18—Heavy snowfall closed WMU.
2015, Feb. 2—A widespread snowstorm closed WMU and many others schools around the state.
2016, Feb. 25—In an otherwise mild winter, a heavy snow accompanied by high winds closed WMU.
2018, Feb. 9—Severe winter weather prompted WMU to close at noon.
2019, Jan. 23—A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow closed schools throughout the region.
2019, Jan. 28—A snowstorm covered the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow and closed many schools throughout Michigan. The University closed campus at midday.
2019, Jan. 29—Severe weather prompted WMU to close at 5 p.m.
2019, Jan. 30-31—Snow and dangerously low temperatures due to wind chill prompted schools throughout the upper Midwest to close for two full days.
2019, Feb. 13—Freezing rain followed by heavy snow closed the University.
2022, Feb. 2—Rain turned to snow overnight, covering the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow by midday.
2022, Nov. 18—A lake-effect snow storm dropped more than a foot of snow, causing the University to close campus early.
2022, Dec. 22—Impending severe winter weather and blizzard warning cause the University to close early on the final day before winter recess.
2023, Feb. 22—An ice storm hit southern Michigan and caused an early closure for the University.
2023, Feb. 23—For the second day in a row, an ice storm and power outages prompt Western and schools to close.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.