Extraordinary Measures Taken in Face of Extraordinary Temps - UPDATED

In the face of dire forecasts, the City of East Lansing is taking extraordinary measures to protect citizens and workers, while Michigan State University is suspending all classes beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, January 30) “for all locations due to anticipated and sustained severe wind chills below -20 degrees F.” East Lansing Public Schools will be closed as well.

At 11 p.m. tonight, the City announced that City offices and 54B District Court will be closed tomorrow.

The Hannah Center will also be closed. East Lansing's Public Library, at 950 Abbot Road, will open as a warming shelter "for community members in need of a short-term place to warm up and charge devices" from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Anyone who needs warmth immediately can go to the East Lansing Police Department at 409 Park Lane (at the back of City Hall).

The City of East Lansing has announced that trash and recycling pick-up normally scheduled for Wednesday will be pushed to Thursday. Thursday’s routes will see collection on Friday, with Friday’s routes seeing collection on Saturday.

This measure is being taken “in order to reduce resident and staff time outdoors,” according to a press release issued this afternoon.

Ordinarily East Lansing property owners are subject to a strict winter sidewalk-clearing ordinance, requiring relatively quick removal of snow and ice. But the East Lansing Police Department has announced that, “With cold temperatures in the forecast over the next couple days, City of East Lansing officials are suspending the enforcement of snow and ice removal until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1.”

The police do ask that property owners clear sidewalks as best they are able when they are able, “in order to keep the East Lansing community safe and passable for residents.”

If you’re thinking of or needing to go outside while the temps are extraordinarily low, ELPD advises you check the forecast and wind chill. Winds are expected to gust up to 33 mph tonight according to the National Weather Service, bringing the wind-chill down around -23. Wind-chills for tomorrow are forecast to be as low as -32.

ELPD also advises people shoveling to “push, don’t lift,” to dress warmly, drink water, and take frequent breaks indoors.

Car batteries may fail during extreme cold and help may not be immediately available. Road salt will not work at these temperatures.

Note: This article was updated at 11:30 p.m. with new information.