Skip to main content

Cornell University

Facilities and
Campus Services

Winter Weather Reminders from the Grounds Department

Stop winter falls, walk like a penguin

We have a lot of ground to cover...

After a heavy snowfall, the Cornell University Grounds Department works hard to clear 15 miles of campus roads, 61 miles of sidewalks, and over 100 acres of parking lots. It can take seven to twelve hours for Grounds to complete one clean-up cycle (assuming it stops snowing). Please help crews do their job as efficiently as possible and stay safe this winter by following a few simple guidelines.

Overnight Parking

To aid in snow removal, overnight parking is restricted between December 1 and April 1 anytime that it is snowing or threatening to snow. If you must leave your vehicle on campus on a night when restrictions are in place (it’s snowing, or snow is forecast), use one of the areas designated specifically for winter overnight parking.

Parking After a Snowstorm

If you arrive on campus after a major snowstorm and find that your lot isn’t plowed, proceed to the A lot on North Campus, or the B lot near the Vet College. These large-capacity lots are the first to be cleared and are available to all commuter permit holders during the snow removal period.

If possible, park your car next to other vehicles, or at the end space if you’re first in the row. Try to park as close to other cars as is safe so the plow crews can do their job.

Winter Safety Tips and Resources

When walking on snowy or icy surfaces is unavoidable, Walk Like a Penguin to prevent slips and falls. Take note that some campus paths and spaces within parking lots will not be plowed. These areas are clearly signed and should be avoided.

If you observe a winter safety issue anywhere on campus, call 607-254-COLD (2653) to report it and get it fixed.

Get up-to-date information from the following resources:

  • University Operating Status Check this site for the latest on university closings and emergencies.
  • Special Conditions and Campus Alerts The latest information on road closures, construction delays, changes to operating status, or other unusual events on campus.
  • SpecialConditions-L is an electronic mailing list that distributes notifications of road closures, construction delays, or other unusual events on campus. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to: SpecialConditions-L-request@cornell.edu the body of the message should read, "join" (without the quotes).
  • TCAT Bus Updates: Use TCAT's Bus Tracker to get updates on detours or delays. Riders can also track the status of their bus by downloading one of the apps available at https://tcatbus.com/Apps.
  • Contact Transportation Services at transportation@cornell.edu for your parking and transportation-related needs.