The University of Georgia continues to monitor the development of the winter storm heading toward our area very closely. Based on updated weather models, we are expecting a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and/or snow to begin moving into the Athens area on Saturday afternoon, continuing into Sunday. The latest models indicate strong potential for significant ice accumulation, high winds and rapidly dropping temperatures. We have been advised that the Athens area should prepare for dangerous travel conditions, as well as potentially widespread and prolonged power outages.

 

Update 12:12 p.m. on 1/23/26

As we reported earlier to the University of Georgia campus community, we are continuing to monitor the potential development of a major winter storm this weekend that is expected to bring a significant amount of ice accumulation, high winds and rapidly dropping temperatures to our area. While we anticipate being closed on Monday, January 26, we cannot make that decision with certainty at this point.

However, we can state that at best, we would shift to an asynchronous learning model for students on Monday, Jan. 26. In that scenario, faculty members are expected to ensure continuity of instruction for classes through alternative means such as online lectures (which may be asynchronous), readings, assignments, or other instructional activities, which are clearly communicated to students. Faculty are encouraged to communicate their alternative plan for Monday to their students as soon as possible.

This scenario would be moot, however, if we encounter the challenges that are anticipated—widespread power outages, ruptured pipes, hazardous driving conditions, etc. In that scenario, the University’s main campus would be closed. It would be impractical to attempt online instruction when power and connectivity are unreliable.

With this additional information, University Housing renews its call to encourage students to return home for the weekend after their classes conclude today, if possible.

Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to stay, but if there are power outages, water line breaks or other complications from the storm, University Housing may need to consolidate those who remain on campus into a limited number of temporary housing areas with emergency heat and meal services.

Additionally, the University has now determined that non-essential facilities such as the Tate Student Center and Ramsey Center for Student Activities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. The University Libraries (Main Library, Miller Learning Center and Science Library) - including the Alexander Campbell King Law Library - also will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Campus dining halls and Campus Transit will offer regular weekend service until conditions warrant otherwise. Check here for updates on Saturday and Sunday:

If the campus is closed or moves to an asynchronous learning model, only 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—are expected to report to work unless conditions prevent safe travel.

Again, we anticipate being closed on Monday or, at a minimum, pivoting to asynchronous instruction. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will provide a final decision on Monday’s status by early Sunday afternoon, at the latest.

 

Temporary Deck Rooftop Closures Due to Winter Weather

Due to the potential for ice and snow this weekend, Transportation and Parking Services will be temporarily closing the rooftop levels of select parking decks as a safety precaution.

Ice accumulation on open deck rooftops creates extremely hazardous conditions, including vehicles sliding, limited braking ability, and unsafe driving and walking conditions. Closing rooftop levels helps protect both vehicles and individuals during severe winter weather.

Rooftop parking will be closed beginning Friday evening in the following decks:

  • E04- East Campus Deck
  • E05- East Campus Village (ECV)
  • E20- Performing Arts Center Deck
  • E21- Intramural Deck
  • N06- North Deck
  • S11- South Deck
  • S15- Carlton Street Deck
  • W05- Hull Street Deck
  • W09- West Deck
  • W18- West Deck II 

If you currently park on the rooftop of one of these decks, please relocate your vehicle to a lower level by Friday at 10:00pm. Rooftop access will remain blocked until conditions improve and it is safe to reopen.

We appreciate your cooperation as we take proactive steps to keep campus parking areas as safe as possible during this weather event. Additional updates will be shared as conditions evolve.

Thank you for your understanding.

 

Planning/resources:

There is no time like the present to prepare for the potential impact of the storm this weekend. If you have not already done so, please verify your emergency contact information at ugaalert.uga.edu to ensure your ability to receive emergency messages. 

Here are additional resources to help keep yourself safe:

 

School of Law reminders:

The safety of the School of Law community is always our #1 priority, and the law school's standing crisis response team remains in frequent communication regarding potential inclement weather events and the effects they may have on law school operations and on those in our community who are living in and/or traveling through the weather’s path.

In these situations, please remember:

  • Your primary source for emergency news and information relating to the University of Georgia can be found on official UGA channels, including ArchNews (check your uga.edu email account), emergency.uga.edu and UGA’s X (@universityofga).
  • As information emerges from official UGA communications, the law school will update its own homepage and social media platforms based on that information.
  • As necessary, the law school will send separate emails to students, staff and faculty regarding law-school-specific impacts of any university-wide decisions. We will also utilize ugaLAWalert for texting law-school-specific messaging updates (see next bullet).
  • School of Law faculty, staff and students are invited to sign up for a one-way texting notification system by following these instructions: Text “ugaLAWalert” to 877-804-2955. Please note that you must choose to opt in to this service, and you can opt out at any time. Please remember this texting feature does NOT take the place of our uga.edu email address that serves as the primary form of emergency notification. 
  • In summary, the law school generally follows UGA’s lead when it comes to inclement weather and other crises. Please rely on UGA sources first, knowing the law school will supplement those as needed.