January’s early winter storm was deemed “the most challenging winter weather event during my tenure at WashU” by WashU Facilities Grounds Manager Chris Anderson — and St. Louis’ winter may just be getting started. Current trends indicate more extreme winter conditions in St. Louis in upcoming years and decades, which has been a cause of concern for some students and faculty who feel that while WashU is ready, St. Louis is not prepared to respond.

In just 26 short days, this Winter Break featured the whole kitchen sink of weather, including multiple unexpected twists and turns. However, the break can generally be characterized by frequent glancing blows from storms and slow but pronounced intrusions of progressively colder air. 

While we would have loved to spend a day at home in our pajamas too, we believe Wash. U. needs to do a better job of considering the safety of professors and workers who live farther away from Wash. U. and must navigate slick, snowy roads.

The temperature has officially plunged, leading me to question whether or not “in St. Louis” should be exchanged for “in the North Pole.” For many hardened northeasterners, this is what is to be expected. But as an expatriate of the South, I found this time of year to be quite the surprise as a freshman. I discovered what real winter was.

OK, OK. Go ahead and make your jokes now. Make fun of the South all you want for completely shutting down because of 2 inches of snow last week. Call us backwards hillbillies who don’t know how to drive in the snow. Tell us that our city officials are all paranoid rednecks who freak out over a tiny, insignificant cold spell.

After facing cancelled flights and icy roads, students returning to campus may have found their weather woes were not finished yet. Six residential buildings and 14 academic buildings suffered damage as a result of the low temperatures and heavy snowfall over break, with issues ranging from a broken window to flooding.

The “Snowpocalypse” that blanketed campus in a foot of snow may be two weeks past, but the Washington University Campus Bookstore is still playing catch-up. Anticipating long lines and additional need, the bookstore extended its hours for the January back-to-school rush.

Showing no signs of rust after 12 days without a match, the No. 14 Washington University men’s tennis team routed Webster University 9-0 Friday at the Tao Tennis Center. The Bears had not played since their spring break tournament in Hawaii, when they went 2-2 against four ranked schools.

With the National Weather Service predicting a mix of rain and snow for the day of WUStock as of Thursday morning, student concern over Macklemore’s slated outdoor performance has mounted. But organizers say they will hold the concert on the Swamp, barring severe thunderstorms, a tornado warning or some other, similar act of nature.