Photo of frozen noodles outside campus. Photo by Jacob Slagel ’26.
This week’s cold and storms have made basic routines harder around Northwood and Lake Placid. For some students, the biggest problem has been getting to school safely. For others, it has been the short walks between buildings that suddenly feel longer when the wind picks up.
Luke Monaco ’27 said the roads near school and around Lake Placid have been rough. “It was tough to get to school and back home,” Monaco said. He explained that one night, he chose to stay over rather than drive. “I had to spend the night because the roads were too bad to drive that, and I was worried I wouldn’t get home in one piece,” he said. Monaco described the roads as “unplowed,” with “a lot of ice and snow,” and said they looked “very slippery.” His advice for anyone driving is to be patient. “Drive very slow and stay alert, because it’s really hard to stop and turn,” he said. He also added that day students should not feel pressured to take risks. “If you’re a day student at Northwood, feel free to stay over,” Monaco said.
Marley Tracy-Deuss ’27, also a day student, said the cold has been noticeable even once students make it to campus. “It’s been really cold walking between classes,” he said. His main reminder was basic but honest. “You’ve got to remember to wear a jacket,” he said. He also mentioned layering for anyone who is outside more than a quick walk. “Wear layers,” he said.
The National Weather Service forecast for Lake Placid shows why the week has felt so intense. The forecast included an Extreme Cold Warning for Friday morning, with below-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The same forecast shows the cold continuing through the weekend, with very low overnight temperatures and daytime highs staying near or below freezing.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service forecast suggests it will remain cold, even if it warms slightly early next week. It won’t be a quick return to normal; it’ll be just a small step up from the worst of it.
For students, the takeaway has been pretty simple. If the roads look bad, take it slow, check the conditions before you leave, and do not force a drive if it does not feel safe. If you are walking between buildings, dress for the cold even if you are only outside for a few minutes. As Tracy-Deuss put it, “wear a jacket,” and do not treat it like a typical winter day.