Winter Storm Uri caused millions of dollars in damage to Collin College facilities, forcing the temporary shutdown of multiple campuses after a week of district-wide closures. Plano Campus (Spring Creek) remained closed through Spring Break with classes shifting to virtual learning.
College officials estimate repairs to district facilities more than $2.1 million, although final figures are not available at this time. Most of the needed repairs resulted from burst pipes and water damage to structures and equipment.
Every campus reported some damage, from five failed air handling units at the Wylie Campus to water damage in multiple rooms at the Frisco Campus (Preston Ridge), including the library. The Plano Campus was hit hardest, with flooding in multiple faculty and staff offices, the Art Gallery, two student residences, the cashier’s office, student engagement services, and other areas. At one point, the main corridors of Modules F and G had an inch of water on the carpet.
Repairs to college facilities began this week. While the Frisco Campus was closed during the weekend of Feb. 20-21, the Plano Campus remained closed through March 14. Plano Campus students continued to take classes online until further notice.
Collin College closed all facilities due to inclement weather starting Feb. 13, with Weekend College classes going fully online that Saturday and Sunday. The district announced a weeklong closure of all campuses Feb. 14 after forecasts predicted significant snowfall and freezing temperatures through Feb. 19.
Collin County received roughly 4”-5” of snow during that time, with windchill recorded well below freezing on multiple days. Many residents in the county experienced power outages and water system failures, some lasting several days.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated from its original form to reflect the campus re-opening on March 15 and to update the estimated cost of damages.