This story has been updated to include remarks from University President Sue Thomas.
Truman State University will close Wednesday in response to cold weather predictions for Kirksville and the surrounding area.
The closure, which was first announced by TruAlert message shortly after noon today, will go into effect tonight at 11 p.m. The University will reopen Thursday at 7 a.m. Classes for Wednesday are canceled, and all campus buildings except residence halls will be closed.
Truman Public Safety Director Sara Holzmeier said the closure is intended to keep students out of the cold, and students should not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.
Holzmeier said some essential staff will be on hand during the closure, including law enforcement and some physical plant employees, but students will not be able to be admitted to closed buildings.
University President Sue Thomas said University officials decided to close for the day because the low temperatures could be dangerous.
“I am enormously appreciative of our essential personnel who work through the University closure to meet the health, safety and facility maintenance needs of our campus community,” Thomas said in a statement.
Kirksville is expected to experience severe cold and wind chill over the next two days as the result of an arctic air mass moving through the region and continued snow cover on the ground. The National Weather Service issued a wind chill warning for Adair County and several surrounding counties beginning tonight and in effect until Thursday morning. During this time, temperatures are expected to reach 15 below zero, with wind chills as low as minus 40. The NWS advises people to minimize time outside. Temperatures are expected to rise to above freezing over the weekend.
Nicolas Telep is a senior communication major and Truman Media Network’s Digital Director. You can follow him on Twitter @NDTelep.