Mark Wilcox/Daily Mining Gazette The Campus of Michigan Technological University seen Thursday. The University has closed its offices and canceled all classes for today as a result of severe weather. Tonight's hockey game against NMU will go on as scheduled.

HOUGHTON — Due to expectations of severe weather, Michigan Technological University yesterday, made the rare decision to cancel today’s classes and close offices. According to a Michigan Tech release, essential residential and dining operations are remaining open, but Little Huskies is closed.

The release indicated that employees with card access to buildings will be able to get into their work spaces, but are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and use their best judgment when determining whether to travel to campus.

University policy states, when there is a declaration of University closure, employees who are not required to report to work will be allowed to stay home with pay. Those unsure whether or not they are required to report to work, are advised to check with their supervisor. Employees are instructed Please contact HR if you have any questions at 906-487-2280.

MTU Said that in the event of a non life-threatening emergency, information about the event will be displayed in an alert bar on the Michigan Tech homepage. In a life-threatening or catastrophic emergency, the homepage will be taken down and replaced by a page that will contain the latest updates. According to Michigan Tech Athletics, weekend sports events, including tonight’s hockey game with Northern Michigan University will go on as scheduled.

The National Weather Service Marquette office has issued an extreme cold warning for most of the central and western U.P., including the Copper County which will remain in effect through early afternoon. An extreme cold watch will remain in effect through Saturday afternoon. The NWS says for the Extreme Cold Warning, we can expect dangerously cold wind chills as low as -40° F expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as -35°F possible.

The Weather Service warns the dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes. To avoid problems NWS advises to dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.