Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
View larger image

Students walk through the snow past Founders Plaza. Photo by Marie Freeman

After the storm — App State digs out

View larger image
Messages to campus

During extreme weather events, Jason Marshburn, director of environmental health, safety and emergency management, keeps campus updated. Read his messages to campus here:

  • Winter storm update: campus operations and activities
    Dec. 9, 2018
  • Preparing for the upcoming winter storm
    Dec. 7, 2018
By Megan Hayes
Posted Dec. 10, 2018 at 8:25 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — A winter storm dumped 16–20 inches of snow on the Appalachian State University campus and the surrounding areas, causing meteorologists to consult the record books and students to break out their sleds and snowboards. Most of the snow fell in a 30-hour period on Dec. 8 and 9, causing university grounds crews to work continually on clearing snow from roads and sidewalks.

Appalachian re-scheduled and moved exams online that were scheduled for Dec. 10, and moved to suspended operations for employees to allow mandatory employees to focus on critical operations and keep campus as clear as possible to allow for snow removal.

A number of university employees responsible for critical services including food services, building safety and maintenance, and emergency response teams remained on campus to respond in the event of any critical or crisis situation.

Campus fared well, according to Jason Marshburn, director of environmental health, safety and emergency management, and is focusing on snow clearing and removal. “Campus experienced no major issues. The main challenge was keeping up with clearing roads and sidewalks,” he said.

“Maximum efforts are focused on returning campus to normal operations,” said Marshburn. He indicated that all campus roads and sidewalks were cleared by 2 p.m. Dec. 10. "Parking lots where cars have been parked since before the storm are the main challenge campus crews are still facing," he said, "but in all campus parking lots, drive lanes are cleared.”

The university library remained open as scheduled, in order to allow students to focus on studying for upcoming exams. Students did take a few breaks to play in the snow, sled, do some impromptu snowboarding and make snowmen.

The Weather Channel broadcast live updates from Boone during the storm, and students also took the opportunity to gather behind meteorologist Jim Cantore and wave to friends and family watching from across the country.

The university announced a revised exam schedule for Tuesday, Dec. 11 and faculty have the option to offer all exams online. Additionally, the university is lifting some parking restrictions through 7 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 12, to reduce parking challenges due to the storm.

View larger image
Messages to campus

During extreme weather events, Jason Marshburn, director of environmental health, safety and emergency management, keeps campus updated. Read his messages to campus here:

  • Winter storm update: campus operations and activities
    Dec. 9, 2018
  • Preparing for the upcoming winter storm
    Dec. 7, 2018
View larger image

On the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 9, Yosef Santa looks out onto a snowy Boone street. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Appalachian State University campus in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

River Street was covered in snow on the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 9. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Durham Park blanketed by snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

McKinney Alumni Center in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

A student walks past Holmes Convocation Center. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

App State Police help a stranded motorist. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Students walk through the snow past Founders Plaza. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Student vehicles parked on campus were snow covered. Weekend parking was extended into the week. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Digging out began before the storm had ended. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Students head to campus in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Many downtown businesses were closed, but students were out and about in Boone. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Many downtown businesses were closed, but students were out and about in Boone. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Rivers Street was covered during the heaviest snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Crews worked continuously to clear campus roads, sidewalks and parking areas. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Crews worked continuously to clear campus roads, sidewalks and parking areas. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Students took a break from studying for finals to play in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Founders Plaza in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Students took a break from studying for finals to play in the snow. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Students took a break from studying for finals to play in the snow. A snow structure remains on Sanford Mall after the storm. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

An aerial shot of campus on the morning of Dec. 10. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

An aerial shot of campus on the morning of Dec. 10. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Crews worked continuously to clear campus roads, sidewalks and parking areas. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Crews worked continuously to clear campus roads, sidewalks and parking areas. Photo by Marie Freeman

Prev
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
Next
In bad weather, how does App State decide what to do?
In bad weather, how does App State decide what to do?
Dec. 7, 2018

Class cancellations, delays, operations conditions – how does the university make these decisions and what do they mean?

Read the story
Light dusting or full-blown blizzard, snow spurs a chain of actions at Appalachian State University
Light dusting or full-blown blizzard, snow spurs a chain of actions at Appalachian State University
Feb. 14, 2017

This has been an atypically mild winter, but it’s not over yet… Learn how the white stuff impacts our campus, engages researchers and inspires art.

Read the story

About AppState-ALERT

AppState-ALERT is the Appalachian State University 24/7 emergency messaging system. Using a combination of text messaging, voice messaging, the siren warning system, email and web technologies, AppState-ALERT is designed to provide Appalachian students, faculty and staff with timely information in the event of a campus emergency. Cell phone, text and voice messages will be sent by the university only when an emergency exists that is considered an "imminent threat." An imminent threat is defined as a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the life and safety of the campus community. Learn more at https://emergency.appstate.edu/appstate-alert.

About the Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management (EHS&EM)

The Office of Environmental Health, Safety and Emergency Management (EHS&EM) at Appalachian State University works in coordination with other university departments to support App State's commitment to campus safety. The office’s primary responsibility is environmental health, safety and emergency management functions across App State’s Boone and Hickory campuses. EHS&EM also coordinates App State’s on-campus emergency medical service (EMS) program, Mountaineer Medics, which provides emergency medical care and support to the App State Community. Learn more at https://ehsem.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

View larger image
Messages to campus

During extreme weather events, Jason Marshburn, director of environmental health, safety and emergency management, keeps campus updated. Read his messages to campus here:

  • Winter storm update: campus operations and activities
    Dec. 9, 2018
  • Preparing for the upcoming winter storm
    Dec. 7, 2018
In bad weather, how does App State decide what to do?
In bad weather, how does App State decide what to do?
Dec. 7, 2018

Class cancellations, delays, operations conditions – how does the university make these decisions and what do they mean?

Read the story
Light dusting or full-blown blizzard, snow spurs a chain of actions at Appalachian State University
Light dusting or full-blown blizzard, snow spurs a chain of actions at Appalachian State University
Feb. 14, 2017

This has been an atypically mild winter, but it’s not over yet… Learn how the white stuff impacts our campus, engages researchers and inspires art.

Read the story

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Faculty and Staff
  • Safety

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Faculty and Staff
  • Safety

Other Recent Posts

  • App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
    App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat