Notre Dame closed Wednesday due to winter weather for the first time in 10 years.
Students, faculty and staff were notified of the decision through the University's emergency alert system around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
"Because of dangerous weather conditions, classes have been cancelled and the campus will be closed for business today," the alert said. " Snow Essential Personnel are asked to report to work, but to use caution."
Notre Dame last closed due to winter weather on Dec. 12, 2000, according to University spokesman Dennis Brown. Final exams were postponed for one day.
Before the 2000 snow day, Notre Dame closed due to a snowstorm in January, 1997.
University offices were closed Wednesday, but North and South Dining Halls, LaFortune Student Center and Reckers remained open for students. RecSports recreation facilities, including Rolfs Sports Recreation Center, Rockne Memorial and Rolfs Aquatic Center also held regular hours.
Classes were also cancelled Wednesday at Saint Mary's, where the Noble Family Dining Hall and C-Store remained open.
South Bend Mayor Luecke declared a "snow emergency" at 6 a.m. Wednesday, prohibiting non-emergency traffic on all streets throughout the city. He advised residents to stay home and restrict travel.
The City of South Bend lifted the "snow emergency" at 4 p.m., but parking was prohibited on snow routes until Thursday morning.
"City crews have been working 24/7 to clear the snow and will continue to do so until all streets are complete," a Wednesday afternoon media advisory from the City stated.
The Associated Press reported tens of millions of people stayed home Wednesday due to the winter storm, which spread from Oklahoma to New England.
Chicago, where 20.2 inches fell, experienced the most snow in the storm, which was a result of the rare clashing of two air masses, according to the Associated Press.
