VP issues statement on weather

Richard Rugen, BU's vice president for administration and finance, issued the following statement on the icy weather conditions Tuesday.

Today, BU and the surrounding area faced unique, hazardous weather conditions which appeared completely without warning. School district buses were caught on area roads. Numerous accidents took place as cars suddenly encountered black ice. People slipped on icy paths and the shuttle buses temporarily had to cease operations.

Nothing in our usual weather warning systems, as late as 7 a.m., indicated to us, or area schools and employers, that the rain hitting the ground would freeze the way it did. By the time we were aware that hazardous conditions were upon us, it was too late to announce a compressed schedule. People were already on the road or on campus. Our maintenance crews immediately responded to conditions and put down gravel and salt as quickly as safely possible.

The University makes every effort to anticipate weather conditions and respond accordingly. However, there are times, such as today, when this is impossible. I urge everyone during this winter season to continue to monitor weather conditions and exercise caution in driving and walking around the campus and the surrounding area.