By Bridgette Begle, Brianne Welch and Cory Woodroof
Students with Saturday classes or exams should prepare for tomorrow’s lectures and tests, as Lipscomb University is continuing business as normal.
In an email sent to the student body, Assistant Vice President of Communication and Marketing Kim Chaudoin wrote that, as the university continues to watch the weekend’s weather reports, all Saturday events will continue as planned.
“As you may be aware, winter weather — including ice and freezing rain — has affected areas in the western part of Tennessee,” Chaudoin wrote. “We continue to monitor the weather patterns as it relates to the Nashville area.
“The latest update from the Nashville bureau of the National Weather Service is that we can expect rain and temperatures in the mid 30s through early evening. Tonight a mixture of rain and sleet is possible and will move out around midnight, with lows dropping into the mid-20s. Saturday will be cloudy with lows in the mid-30s with the possibility of rain.
“As a result of this updated weather forecast, university offices, classes, exams and other events will operate on a normal schedule. Students and employees are expected to follow their normal schedules and routines.”
A winter weather advisory has been issued for Davidson County from 4 p.m. Friday until midnight.
Chaudoin notes that in the event of inclement weather, the university will follow the schedule disruption policy.
The university also has a plan in case of an emergency, campus-wide power outage.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” Chaudoin wrote. “We have an emergency plan in place that we continually refine and practice to prepare for these and other unusual situations.”
Lipscomb Provost Craig Bledsoe encourages students to stay alert for further updates.
“If students would pay attention to their email and to the LU-alert system, all that information should get to you,” Bledsoe said.
At this point, Nashville is right on the line between cold rain and freezing rain. Clarksville, which is less than an hour away, is experiencing freezing rain and sleet.
Downtown Christmas festivities canceled as weather approaches
Students looking to attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade downtown will need to head elsewhere Friday night as both have been canceled by their respective officials.
The mayor’s office credits the threat of icy conditions for the tree lighting’s cancellation and noted the parade’s cancellation as well. The parade will not be rescheduled this holiday season.
Photo credit: Bridgette Begle