Storm Update, Monday 1 PM

October 31, 2011

Dear friends,

As you probably know, the weekend’s snowstorm has wreaked havoc with many of the power systems of the region. In particular, the Connecticut Light and Power electrical grid has sustained unprecedented damage, and the Middletown area has been without electricity since Sunday afternoon. This has left Wesleyan without power in the central campus area for the first time in memory. We have backup systems for emergency lighting and for our servers, which have functioned properly. Medical services are available at Middlesex Hospital, and Public Safety is available to any students in need of assistance. We have provided a shelter area at the Science Library and have been serving meals at the Usdan University Center. Sandwiches will be available at Usdan today from 2 to 4 pm, and we will provide further information about meals pending restoration of power.

We are working with local officials and our own engineers and are hopeful that power will be restored to the central campus area sometime this evening. This will happen in stages, and there likely will be interruptions — a normal part of the process. Supplying electricity to the wood frame houses and the surrounding area will take longer, and we will send information in this regard (including places on campus where students may stay) in the next 24 hours.

We do anticipate that classes will be held Tuesday.

The aftermath of the storm has been challenging, and I am grateful to the staff, faculty and students who are all pulling together.

Yours truly,

Michael S. Roth

President