The University of Georgia is closely monitoring a winter storm expected to impact the Athens area starting Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday. Updated weather models predict a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, with significant ice accumulation, high winds, and rapidly falling temperatures likely. Authorities have advised residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and the possibility of widespread power outages.
“The safety of our campus community is our top priority. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging students to return home for the weekend after their classes conclude on Friday, if possible,” according to a statement from university officials.
The university anticipates closing on Monday but will confirm its status early Sunday afternoon based on updated conditions. Residence halls will remain open for those who stay on campus; however, in case of power outages or other issues caused by the storm, University Housing may consolidate students into temporary housing areas equipped with emergency heat and meal services. Students are encouraged to contact their community front desk or resident assistant with any questions or concerns and report any facilities-related problems.
Dining halls plan to maintain normal hours unless weather conditions require changes. Campus Transit will also operate as usual until it becomes unsafe to do so. For updates regarding dining services and transportation operations over the weekend, students can visit https://dining.uga.edu/about/policies and https://tps.uga.edu/transit/policies-documents/inclement-weather/.
University Libraries, Tate Student Center, Ramsey Student Center, and other recreational facilities will be open unless otherwise noted on their respective websites; operational hours may change depending on weather developments. The latest information can be found at https://libs.uga.edu (Libraries), https://tate.uga.edu (Tate Student Center), and https://recsports.uga.edu (Recreational Sports).
For ongoing updates about emergency procedures or closures throughout the weekend, members of the UGA community should check emergency.uga.edu or follow UGA’s official social media accounts.
Faculty, staff, and students at UGA’s extended campuses are instructed to follow local guidance specific to their locations.
“Should the University ultimately need to close over the weekend, essential personnel—employees who have been identified by their department or unit as critical to the maintenance and operations of the University, particularly providing essential support to students—will be expected to report to work unless conditions prevent safe travel,” university officials stated.
Community members are reminded to verify their emergency contact information at ugaalert.uga.edu for timely notifications.
Additional resources include monitoring weather updates from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/ffc/, reviewing winter preparedness tips from state agencies at https://gema.georgia.gov/winter/, accessing individual preparedness guidelines at prepare.uga.edu/, keeping cell phones charged during potential outages, and downloading the official UGA Safe app via prepare.uga.edu/uga-safe.
