With sidewalks salted and snow plows stationed around Grounds, the University is bracing itself for the second major snowfall of the school year — the first of which occurred in early December. Following the December snowfall, classes did not return to their normal schedule and format for three days.
According to the National Weather Service, Charlottesville residents can expect to see heavy snowfall beginning Saturday night that could later mix with frozen rain throughout Sunday.
Due to the expected weather, Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency Thursday. The Virginia Department of Health and State Health Commissioner Cameron Webb issued a list of precautions for the snowfall in an effort to prepare Virginians for the weather.
“Pay attention to the advisories and the weather updates that come from local governments that you can find on the news or [online],” Webb stated in a Thursday video detailing these precautions. “The information you’re able to get locally is going to help you know exactly what you’re up against in your community.”
The University, through a series of emails sent to faculty, staff and students, has also communicated several announcements and updates over the past week regarding its preparation for the storm.
The most recent message came Friday afternoon from Jennifer Wagner Davis, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University, encouraging faculty, staff and students to continue monitoring the University Operations Status Board for updates regarding academic schedule, parking, library accessibility and other academic operations throughout the weekend.
In the message, Davis also stated only essential University services will operate after 6 p.m. Saturday, and faculty, staff and students should prepare to shift to online instruction or asynchronous work Monday. The University will make its final decision about Monday’s instruction and operations no later than 5 p.m. Sunday.
For those who rely on a University meal plan, Davis said that the Observatory Hill Dining Hall and Newcomb Dining Hall will operate on their regular schedule this weekend and into the week. Students can monitor the status of other dining facilities on the Operations Status Board. Those without a meal plan but who may need to use University dining services during the snowstorm can purchase meals at the posted rates.
Other updates in the message include the opening of warming and recharging stations at Clemons Library and Newcomb Hall during weather-modified operations, and the end of University Transit Service buses at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Businesses on the Corner have also noted that their hours of operation may change due to the snowstorm. One store, The Corner Grocery — which offers a selection of snacks, drinks and fresh produce — plans to stay open with reduced hours after the onset of the storm, according to owner Esther Kang. Kang stated that the store may close around 10 p.m. instead of their usual midnight closure some days.
To prepare for the snowstorm, University emails have encouraged students to stock up on food and groceries to keep at home. Some students have stopped by The Corner Grocery for such supplies, and Kang noted that instant noodles, bread and milk have been especially frequent purchases since the announcement of snow.
Another business on the Corner, The Gray — a wine store that also serves as the pick-up location for U.Va. Readers — will attempt to stay open during the snowstorm if the weather permits, according to store employee Lincoln Gray. Gray, whose daughter owns the store, said that if students need to come to pick up course materials during the snowstorm, they should first call ahead to make sure the store is open.
In a follow-up email shortly after Davis’ Friday message, Nicole Hall, senior associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, urged students to stay inside if possible.
“If you must be outside during the winter weather event, please wear appropriate clothing (e.g. layers, hats and gloves) and shoes with good traction,” Hall stated in the email.
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