Winter weather information January 2026
Resume normal operations Thursday, Jan. 29
Given the improved current conditions and a forecast that calls for warmer weather, the UTSW campus and regional sites will resume normal operations tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 29. Additionally, students across all four schools will return to in-person learning.
We still urge caution for Thursday morning travel, as early-morning temperatures near freezing could leave isolated slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.
We want to especially thank our Facilities Management crews, Ice Brigade, and other institutional teams who have been working hard over the past week maintaining buildings and clearing and treating roads and parking lots. And to each of you, thank you for the teamwork and flexibility you’ve shown across our institution – and also at home while navigating unexpected family demands.
Previous updates
Policy
- Anyone who holds a position not designated as essential during inclement weather or other emergencies should communicate with their supervisor to confirm remote work options for Tuesday. These include individuals involved in educational, research, clinical, administrative, and other institutional roles.
- Tuesday will also qualify as an inclement weather day related to policies EMP-267 and HSO-156. Per these policies, an employee in an essential position who, during an emergency, does not report for work or refuses an authorized request to remain on duty beyond their scheduled shift ending time, may have that time recorded as an unexcused absence, subject to any departmental time and attendance policies.
- Absences due to inclement weather will be charged to an employee’s available, applicable leave accruals, and the employee may be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, if you are a Health System employee, you would accrue points for a “High Impact” occurrence, in addition to using Unscheduled PTO.
Education
- In-person classes for students across all four UTSW schools will continue with virtual learning on Tuesday. Learners and trainees should watch for additional updates from Associate Deans/Academic Affairs.
- Trainees should follow the guidance of their program and departmental leadership on the impact of a delayed start. The Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office is in close coordination with our clinical partners.
Remote work
- For those working remotely, remember that Information Resources’ Working Off Campus webpage offers helpful tools and guidance.
Clinical operations
- Radiation oncology, infusion, and ancillary services (Imaging, Lab, and Pharmacy) will begin seeing patients at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
- All other in-person clinic appointments will start at noon.
- Hospital operations continue as normal.
- Providers who care for patients at one of our partner sites should refer to those organizations’ communications for operating hours and details.
Research
- Researchers who are not designated as essential during inclement weather are, once again, strongly encouraged to work remotely on Tuesday if at all possible. Keep in close contact with your lab manager.
Return to normal operations
- Given a forecast that calls for improving conditions, we anticipate resuming normal campus operations and clinic hours on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Institutional and Health System leaders continue to closely monitor weather conditions and will adjust as needed to ensure the safety of our workforce and our patients. We anticipate a full return to normal operations by Wednesday.
Shuttles/roadways
- Please be patient with our shuttle drivers. They are operating in hazardous conditions and have been instructed to keep speeds to 5 mph out of an abundance of caution. We ask riders not to direct frustrations at drivers – they are doing their jobs to keep themselves, passengers, and others on the road as safe as possible.
- Although roadways have been treated, please drive safely and watch for any icy conditions due to melted snow refreezing.
Facilities changes
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to dress in layers at West Campus Building 3 and the Simmons Biomedical Research Building (NB), as temperatures are temporarily reduced while Facilities makes repairs to some of the systems.
Parking changes
- Employees working onsite at Clements University Hospital may park in staff garages without receiving a citation through 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. Those who usually park in the Love Connection Lot (6814 Harry Hines Blvd.) are encouraged to use the hospital garages during this period.
Surgical Services and Endoscopy
- As of now, we do not anticipate any modifications to surgery and procedure schedules for Monday at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Zale Lipshy Pavilion, or the Outpatient Surgery Center.
Overnight lodging for hospital employees
- Employees required to work on campus during the weather event should coordinate with their direct supervisor on emergency lodging.
- A survey has been shared with University Hospital managers and directors to simplify the request process.
- Faculty should have received communications on how to request overnight accommodations and can work directly with their departments.
- Hospital employees should also be familiar with resources found on the University Hospital Inclement Weather Resources SharePoint site.
Campus safety, parking, and shuttle service
- UT Southwestern’s “Ice Brigade” has begun pretreating pedestrian walkways and driveways, and additional staff will be on-site this weekend to check for frozen pipes and potential leaks. Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, upper-level, outdoor parking decks will be closed, and additional spots will be made available to staff in the hospital garages.
- Report icy or slippery conditions using either of the following methods:
- Call Service Request Operations at 214-648-3375.
- Submit a Facilities Asset Management Information System (FAMIS) Service request through the Facilities Service Portal (on-campus or VPN connection required). For instructions, please view Submit and Review Service Requests (on-campus or VPN connection required).
- Campus shuttles will operate on a limited schedule this weekend to accommodate those working at our hospitals and on West Campus. For questions about UTSW’s shuttle service, please call 214-648-3375. You may also want to download our shuttle tracker app.
- If you need automotive help while on campus, call UTSW Police at 214-648-8311 (nonemergency line) or Parking Services at 214-648-9600.
Remote work/campus operations
- Employees already approved to work remotely are expected to continue doing so through the winter event. For guidance, please visit Information Resources’ Working Off Campus page.
- Anyone who holds positions not designated as essential during inclement weather or other emergencies should communicate with their supervisor to confirm remote work options for the duration of the weather event. These include individuals involved in educational, research, clinical, administrative, and other institutional roles.
- Employees who cannot work remotely should arrange with supervisors to make up missed time during the closure, if possible, and during the same pay period, to avoid having to use leave accruals or unpaid leave.
Education and research
- For students across all four UTSW schools, in-person classes are shifting to virtual learning on Monday. Additional communications from Associate Deans/Academic Affairs have been sent to learners and trainees.
- Trainees should follow the guidance of their program and department leadership. The Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office will continue to send updates throughout the weather event and remain in close coordination with our clinical partners.
- Supply Chain has received enough dry ice and liquid nitrogen to support our research community.
Food service
- Dining areas are stocked with grab-n-go items (sandwiches, salads, wraps, fruit, etc.).
- Vending machines and micro-markets have been stocked to ensure food is available through the weekend.
- We have ample supply of food for patients staying at our hospital during the winter storm.
Reduction of natural gas usage
Our Facilities Management team will be reducing our natural gas consumption throughout this weather event. The impact will be mainly to non-occupied and/or non-critical areas. Clinical and vivarium spaces are considered critical areas and will not be impacted.
People whose roles are not designated as essential in emergencies are encouraged to stay home over the weekend and through Monday morning, if possible. If you are on campus, please dress warmly as the temperature will be reduced inside our buildings. We also ask that you do not use space heaters, as they may trip breakers and represent a fire risk.
Parents/backup care
- UT Southwestern offers backup, low-cost child, adult, and senior care to all full-time (40 hours a week) and part-time (30-39 hours a week) benefits-eligible employees through Bright Horizons for whenever you experience a temporary disruption in your regular care arrangements. Please note that because Bright Horizons requires pre-registration, you’re encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to take advantage of the service when you need it. Availability may be limited due to inclement weather.
- Log in to the Bright Horizons website, click “Sign Up,” then use employer username “UTSWcare” and password “UTSW123#” (you will have the option to change your username and password after your initial login). You can also register by phone at 877-242-2737. Bright Horizons consultants are available 24/7.
- First Step Learning Centre and Callier Child Development Center on the UTSW campus will be closed on Monday.
UTSW policy
This current weather event qualifies as inclement weather days related to policies EMP-267 and HSO-156. Per these policies, an employee in an essential position who, during an emergency, does not report for work or refuses an authorized request to remain on duty beyond their scheduled shift ending time, may have that time recorded as an unexcused absence, subject to any departmental time and attendance policies. Absences due to inclement weather will be charged to an employee's available, applicable leave accruals, and the employee may be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, if you are a Health System employee, you would accrue points for a “High Impact” occurrence, in addition to using Unscheduled PTO.
Helpful links and resources
Here are some links to potentially useful resources during inclement weather.
- Road conditions: The Texas Department of Transportation map shows active accidents, closures, construction, damage, and more.
- Power and water status: Real-time electrical outage information is available on websites for Oncor and CoServ. Please check with your local water provider for any water shortages or boil-water notices in effect.
- Warming centers: If you or someone you know is without power or heat, check with the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management for updates on warming centers. Also, the city’s recreation centers and libraries will be open during normal business hours for residents in need of relief from the cold. Library and recreation center hours can be viewed online.
- Public transit: For the latest information on DART bus and rail services as well as Trinity Railway Express, visit the DART website.
- 2-1-1 Texas: This free, anonymous social service resource hotline is available 24 hours a day for Texas residents. Dial 2-1-1, or 877-541-7905, to find information about food, housing, crisis counseling, and/or mental health treatment resources in your local community. SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: This national hotline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress caused by disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
- Winter weather safety: Helpful resources for staying safe during winter storms are available from the American Red Cross, National Weather Service, FEMA, and Ready.gov.
During weather events such as this, your dedication to UTSW’s mission and to those we serve is especially appreciated. Thank you for your hard work and perseverance.