To the University Community:

We are closely monitoring the evolving forecasts for the winter storm expected to significantly impact our region this weekend. Current projections indicate snow beginning Saturday evening and continuing through midday Sunday, with total accumulation between 12 to 18 inches. Forecasts also show a high likelihood of icy conditions on Sunday. Since temperatures are expected to remain at or below freezing through the weekend and into next week, accumulated snow and ice and hazardous road conditions will likely persist for several days.

Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our community. University leadership, in coordination with Emergency Management, Facilities Management, Student Affairs, Business Services, and UVA Health, is actively planning for a range of operational scenarios should conditions deteriorate.

Several guiding principles are shaping our preparations:

• Safety comes first. Decisions regarding operations will be guided by travel conditions, weather impacts, and our responsibility to minimize risk to students, faculty, and staff.
• Support for residential students is a priority. Planning is underway to ensure essential services (dining, buses, parking, etc.) remain available for students living on Grounds.
• UVA Health operations under assessment. The Medical Center is anticipating changes to clinical services and will provide updates as they become available. Staffing and access plan preparations are currently underway.
• Essential services will remain operational. Teams across the University are preparing to sustain utilities, dining, safety, and other critical functions throughout the storm.
• Athletics and Academic Division events planning is underway. Athletics and Academic Division leadership are developing contingency plans for games and events scheduled both on Grounds and away over the weekend, with safety as the overriding consideration.

It is too early for us to make decisions on any modifications to the Academic Division operating schedule for Monday, January 26, 2026. We will continue to evaluate conditions and will communicate any operational decisions, including changes to classes, work schedules, or events, as early as possible through official University channels.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay informed, plan ahead, and take appropriate precautions as weather conditions develop. Steps include securing medications and groceries (if not on a University meal plan) in advance of the weekend, as well as preparing an emergency kit in the case of a power outage. Because this weather event will create hazardous road conditions across Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation is encouraging people to delay weekend travel plans.

We will provide updates as forecasts are refined and we make final decisions about operations and schedules. Additional winter weather resources are available at Winter Weather at UVA | Emergency Management. For the latest weather conditions, please monitor local TV stations and/or the National Weather Service.

Thank you for your flexibility and continued care for one another during this time.

Very truly yours,

Jennifer (J.J.) Wagner Davis
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Brie Gertler
Interim Executive Vice President & Provost

Dr. Mitchell Rosner
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health & Executive Vice President for Health Affairs