Update, 1 p.m. Thursday: Penn State’s campus will reopen at 5 a.m. Friday, the university announced Thursday morning.

About 15 inches of snow in the area forced the university to close campus “in the best interest” of the Penn State community.

For more information on reopening guidelines, visit Penn State’s website.

Original Story: Penn State is canceling most on-campus activities and operations at University Park due to forecasted snow, the university announced Wednesday.

The cancellation began at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will last through “at least” Thursday, December 17. Administrators plan to provide an update on resuming operations Thursday afternoon.

Campus’s closure shouldn’t affect students much while they’re taking final exams this week. Their instructors, though, are advised to be flexible as students may be unable to access Wi-Fi at home or on campus due to potential power outages.

Should a student be unable to take an exam due to the weather, they must be provided the opportunity to take a makeup exam or “alternative assessment.” Both students and instructors shouldn’t come to campus for exams regardless.

Additionally, walk-up coronavirus testing at Hintz Family Alumni Center closed at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Normally, it’d be open for students and employees until 5 p.m.

Penn State advised all employees to remain flexible and report to campus only as directed if needed. More specifics about compensation and work requirements can be found in a university press release.

According to AccuWeather, Centre County could see between 12 and 18 inches of snow thanks to a timely nor’easter. The storm should continue through early Thursday morning.

In the meantime, Penn State issued a “midnight clear” for both December 16 and 17, which will restrict overnight parking in on-campus lots.