Contact: Sid Salter

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s Starkville campus will close Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, due to an abundance of caution over predicted winter weather. Severe winter weather conditions are predicted in Central and North Mississippi that are expected to make driving conditions extremely dangerous.

At this time, MSU Meridian campus is expected to be open on Tuesday, but monitor www.meridian.msstate.edu for possible updates.

The National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulations on road and bridge surfaces that are unlikely to melt because of protracted hours of sub-freezing temperatures. Students, faculty and non-essential staff are urged not to attempt to drive in these conditions. Mississippi State’s Tuesday classes, day and evening, are being cancelled for the Starkville campus.

Non-essential employees should not report to work. Faculty, staff and students are urged to use caution to ensure personal safety. The university will make an announcement Tuesday by 5 p.m. about the status of the institution for Wednesday, Jan. 17. Monitor the MSU website and social media for updates. Monitor local news outlets for changing conditions and advisories. Starkville campus residence halls remain open.

For students and staff on campus, Perry Cafeteria will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with continuous service. Subway will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Moe’s will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. PODs in Hathorn and Dogwood will be open from 9 a.m. until midnight. Other MSU dining facilities will be closed, including those in the Colvard Student Union Food Court.

Mitchell Memorial Library will be closed Tuesday. Sanderson Center will be open Tuesday for regular hours. Students are urged to use caution as they move around campus. Sidewalks and outside stairs will be extremely slippery and most likely covered with ice in some areas.

MSU Athletics will consult with Southeastern Conference officials regarding scheduled sporting events. Follow hailstate.com and monitor HailState social media for updates, but at the present time the MSU Men’s Basketball game on Tuesday at 6 p.m. is expected to be played if game officials are able to travel to Starkville.

Media inquiries should be directed to Sid Salter, MSU Chief Communications Officer, at 601-507-8004 or ss51@msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.