Sami Rapp photo: Sophomore Kevon Bridges layers up to stay warm in the midst of weather conditions that meteorologists consider "life-threatening."Erie saw record-breaking temperatures of 10 degrees below zero on Tuesday, Jan. 7, breaking the previous record set in 1970 of 7 degrees below zero. The record of minus 3 for Jan. 6 also fell to the cold Monday night.

Because of the frigid temperatures, most schools in the Erie area, including Penn State Behrend, were shut down and services like trash pick-ups were canceled for the day. In addition, warnings were issued that frostbite could occur within minutes to any skin exposed to the elements.

Not quite shutting Mercyhurst down, University President Tom Gamble issued a warning on Monday, urging students and faculty to use their discretion in regards to whether they should hold or attend classes on Tuesday and advised the Mercyhurst community to avoid undue risks in traveling.

Not long after, the Hammermill Library closed early on Monday and remained closed into Tuesday. Some faculty also followed suit and canceled classes on Tuesday. All canceled classes will be re-scheduled for make-up sometime during the J-term.

Departments such as Student Life are also helping out during the extreme weather by helping students who are having trouble getting back to campus after the break communicate with their professors to explain their absence. Associate Vice President of Student Life Laura Zirkle urges students to look out for each other’s safety, especially during this time.

During this time, Police and Safety will be conducting extra rounds to ensure people’s safety as they walk and drive around campus. Maintenance is also working hard to ensure that the roads and sidewalks are cleared as well as taking care of important work orders regarding heating problems.