Updated 3:05 p.m. Dec. 20, 2012

Although the first winter storm of the season is slowing things down a bit and making travel tricky, the University of Iowa campus—including UI Hospitals and Clinics—is operating normally today, Thursday, Dec. 20.

UI Hospitals and Clinics remains open to care for patients. The operating status is normal for the following health care services and locations:

• Visits to patients hospitalized at UI Hospitals and Clinics and UI Children’s Hospital.
• Outpatient appointments to clinics located at the main UI Hospitals and Clinics building.
• Outpatient appointments to UI Hospitals and Clinics – Iowa River Landing in Coralville (last appointment to be seen will be at 5 p.m.).
• Outpatient appointments at UI Health Care facilities in North Liberty, Southeast Iowa City, Muscatine, and Riverside (closing at 4 p.m.).
• Walk-in hours for all UI Quick Care sites (closing at 5 p.m.).

Any updated information will be posted to the UI Health Care Website.

On a related matter, UI parking officials say a rumor that seems to be spreading among patients, visitors and others that parking is free in hospital ramps is false. The ramps are operating normally and payment is expected from users. UI Hospitals and Clinics staff members should continue to park in their assigned permit lot.

Dave Ricketts, director of UI Parking and Transportation, says crews will continue to work throughout the day to keep surface lots clear of snow. Cambus is operating normally, though there may be delays.

Whenever possible, the university continues to function during inclement weather. However, UI employees and others coming to campus should use good judgment and avoid serious risks in traveling. View the university’s full extreme weather protocol.

More information about severe weather may be found on the UI’s Emergency Information Website.

A blizzard warning remains in effect for Johnson County until midnight tonight. Strong winds and blowing snow can cause whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. The National Weather Service advises traveling only in an emergency and encourages travelers to pack a winter survival kit.