Students endure cold temperatures on campus from KentWired.com on Vimeo.

With Thursday’s high temperature being in the single digits and the wind chill being in the negative teens, Kent State elected to close the main campus and multiple regional campuses beginning at 5 p.m. until 12:01 a.m. Saturday morning.

Affected campuses include Kent, East Liverpool, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas. 

“All classes and events during this time are going to be canceled,” University Spokesman Eric Mansfield said. 

The decision comes after the main campus was closed until 10 a.m. Thursday due to the cold conditions and the university received backlash on social media for remaining open during the day.

“We did see some of the comments online,” Mansfield said. “However, we know that most people go online to vent frustrations, and we did receive some praise for staying open from some people who had big projects and things like that due today. (The students) pay to attend classes so we try and provide that service.”

Mansfield said the decision to close campus is often done in segments.

“The university weather team watches the conditions and will monitor them to see if they change,” Mansfield said. “For example, they know by 6 (a.m.) if morning classes are canceled, 9 or 10 (a.m.) if afternoon classes are canceled and by 3 (p.m.) if evening class are canceled.”

In addition to the university closing, the National Weather Service has issued several advisories, including a wind chill advisory, when the wind makes the temperature feel 10 degrees below zero or colder, that is to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

“If you will be outdoors, use common sense and dress warmly…making sure that all exposed skin is covered,” the advisory said. “If possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.”

The National Weather Service has also issued a wind chill warning from 8 p.m. Thursday to noon Friday.

“The wind will make it feel like it is 25 degrees below zero or colder for several hours,” the warning said. “Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly.” 

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are supposed to go back up into the teens over the weekend.

Contact Katie Nix at [email protected].