University advises on shelter facilities, road closures from storm

The University is making temporary shelter services available at Dillon Gym for members of the Princeton campus community who are experiencing power outages or loss of hot water as a result of the thunderstorms of Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14. Public Safety also is encouraging community members to plan their routes to account for road closures in the immediate future.

The Hibben/Magie, Lawrence, College Road, Dean Mathey and Stanworth apartments and other various buildings continue to have full or partial power outages. The public utility PSE&G has informed the University that power outages can continue as late as Tuesday, March 16.

The Housing department is advising University employees and students that Dillon Gym was opened as a shelter at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday for faculty, students and staff without power or water who need a place to shower or reside until power is restored. Shower and restroom facilities are located in the lower level locker rooms of the gym, and shelter space is available on the upper level, in the multi-purpose room and in the group fitness rooms. Air mattresses, linens, toiletry kits, pillows and folding chairs are available.

The facilities at Dillon will remain open until all power is restored, and Princeton students and employees can arrive at any time. Individuals with special access needs may call the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.

Public Safety is reporting the following road closures as of 7:30 p.m. Sunday: Alexander Street is closed except to local traffic from the intersection of Faculty Road to just south of Forbes College near the intersection of University Place; all access on Faculty Road is closed eastbound from the intersection of Washington Road; on Broadmead, the road is closed south of Faculty Road; the entire West Drive leading into Lawrence Apartments is closed, but residents can make a right into the complex from the intersection controlled by the traffic light on Alexander Street; and College Road West is closed at Alexander Street and only accessible on foot or by bicycle to get to the Graduate College, so the alternate route is to access the college from Springdale Road.

Downed tree limbs and flooding conditions throughout the region, along with power failures affecting traffic signals, may impede travel. All members of the community are advised to plan their routes and allot more time for travel. A page with links to sites that provide information on road closures and traffic conditions is among the resources available on the University's Emergency Guidelines for the Campus Community website.