Liz Trump and her roommates have been planning a trip to Panama City for more than a month and aren't about to let any little snowstorm stop them. But then again, this isn't any little snowstorm.

Already being billed as "the blizzard of '94," Mother Nature's latest addition to Happy Valley could put a damper on the plans of this year's spring breakers.

Ken Reeves, a senior meteorologist at Accu-Weather, 619 W. College Ave., said yesterday that Happy Valley could possibly be in for as much as 1 feet of snow before the storm is over.

The threat of more snow last night led the University to cancel early morning classes today. All classes before 9:45 a.m. were canceled.

John Brighton, executive vice president and provost, said the University decided to delay opening to allow time for clearing off parking lots and roads.

As the snow continues to fall, many University students are considering leaving State College early to beat the predicted snowstorm.

Trump (sophomore-education) said she is concerned that the snowstorm could drastically alter her plan to drive home to Hershey tonight, drive to Atlanta tomorrow morning and then finally on to Panama City Saturday morning.

Mike Allison, a ticket agent for Greyhound Bus Lines, 152 N. Atherton St., said the office isn't any busier than normal for spring break, but those who are taking a bus are trying to leave earlier than usual.

The residence halls were originally scheduled to close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, a time when many students may still not be out of town. But the University may make housing available to those students who need it. Fred Fotis, director of housing, said the University will "just have to play it by ear."

"We're forming a plan B in case we need to use it," Fotis said. This plan would include designated sleeping spaces for any students who need to stay over Saturday night, Fotis said, adding that students would gather in those designated areas because of a lack of staff left in town to supervise them.

Andy Goldman (junior-physics) is planning a trip to Sarasota, Fla., with several of his friends. He said he is very worried about the storm.

"We'll have to see what the weather is like, I just don't know yet," Goldman said.

Amelia Baxter (senior-speech communication) said she doesn't think the weather will interfere with her plans too much.

"It might take longer to get there, but that's OK with us. It's our spring break -- as long as we get to Daytona, (Fla.) we'll be happy," she said. "After last year, I think I'm pretty much ready for anything."

Collegian Staff Writer Courtney Cairns contributed to this report.