Learn how to stay informed as Elon University officials actively monitor a Jan. 24-25 forecast calling for the region's first significant winter storm of 2026.
MONDAY, JAN. 26, at 2:50 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
- Elon University Offices will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 27.
- The Law School and graduate program directors will communicate directly with students and faculty about class schedules for their respective law and graduate programs. Directors of programs in Charlotte or other national campus locations will communicate directly with affected students and faculty about any weather-related impact to operations and classes at those locations.
- Employees who live some distance from campus and who might be prevented from safely traveling to campus should follow the guidance on the university Severe Weather Guide.
The precipitation has passed, the winter storm warnings have ended, and we continue to clean up the campus from the sleet and ice accumulated over the weekend. Cold temperatures are expected to remain in our area for the next several days and the pattern of sunny, somewhat warmer daytime conditions followed by frigid temperatures overnight will extend the impact of black ice.
Most campus sidewalks are now clear, but some slippery spots will remain, so caution is encouraged as you are making your way around campus. Even as roadways and parking lots are cleared of sleet and snow, icing of those surfaces will still be a concern; challenging driving conditions may remain in our area for the next day or so.
Temperatures overnight tonight are expected to drop down to the single digits, which will re-freeze any of the precipitation that remains on the roadways after today.
We anticipate starting the undergraduate Spring Term on schedule this Thursday, January 29. After Wednesday, any students who are still experiencing travel challenges returning to campus should communicate directly with their spring course instructors.
This is our last planned email update for this winter storm. Special thanks to the teams from Campus Safety and Police, Facilities Management, Dining Services, Student Life, and the other campus departments who supported the campus through the storm this weekend.
SUNDAY, JAN. 25, at 2:45 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Elon University offices will be closed Monday, January 26.
Graduate and Elon Law classes will not be held in-person Monday at the Elon, Greensboro, or Charlotte campus locations. Students should check with instructors for further information about alternative plans, which could include the option for online meetings during the scheduled class time, out-of-class activities, readings, or other assignments.
Essential/emergency personnel will be notified by your supervisor when to report to campus.
The Winter Storm Warning for the Triad area (including Elon/Burlington and Greensboro) and the Ice Storm Warning for the Charlotte area are both in effect through 1 p.m. Monday. Additional precipitation is expected this evening. Ice accumulations and freezing temperatures will mean hazardous road conditions through Monday. Even after the precipitation ends, black ice is expected to continue to be a challenge.
Facilities Management crews have been working to maintain safe conditions on sidewalks around campus and will continue to work on campus parking lots and roadways. Students are reminded that there will continue to be slippery spots on campus, so proper footwear and winter clothing are advised when walking around campus. Driving is discouraged.
Offices and Services Open Sunday and Monday
Several 24/7 services remain available no matter the weather:
- Campus Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
- On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
- SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence – they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
Residence Halls and University Apartments
Residence halls and apartments do not close during fake break. Please use your respective neighborhood on-call phone number for any needs after hours.
- Residential neighborhood offices will be closed Monday. The Central Residence Life Office phone lines (336-278-7300) will be staffed 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, January 26.
- Any early arrivals in residential areas due to weather impacts should be sent to Residence Life at residencelife@elon.edu as soon as possible for case-by-case evaluation.
- Check-in for new spring semester students participating in New Student Orientation is still scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at the neighborhood area offices.
- Check-in for returning students moving in for the first-time for spring semester is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. at the neighborhood area offices.
Belk Library
- Open Sunday, January 25 until 4 p.m.
- Monday, January 26: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Campus Recreation
- Koury Athletic Center: Closed Sunday; Open Monday, January 26, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- PARC Fitness Center: Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, 4 a.m. – midnight
- Beck Pool, Driving Range, PARC Gym, and South Gym: Closed
Elon Dining
Spring meal plans take effect Wednesday, January 28. In the meantime, Elon Dining is proud to partner with the university to provide meals to students who are remaining on campus during the break. Please bring your Phoenix Card to swipe in.
Dining locations will be operating on a modified schedule. For the most current information, please visit Elon Dining Menu/Hours webpage. Please note that hours may change due to staffing, so checking this site before visiting the location is advised.
Moseley Center
- Open Sunday, January 25 until 6 p.m.
- Monday, January 26: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Mail Services
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Counseling Services and Student Health Services
Closed Sunday and Monday. TimelyCare on-demand medical and mental health support services are available to all Elon students 24/7, from anywhere in the United States. Visit the Elon TimelyCare website and log in with your Elon e-mail address or create an account.
Our next email update about this winter storm is planned for Monday afternoon. If conditions change, we will update the community via email and, if necessary, E-Alert.
SATURDAY, JAN. 24, at 4 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
This is an update regarding the winter storms and university preparations. Reviewing the latest National Weather Service winter weather briefing, the forecast is largely the same: the Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for the Triad region (including Elon/Burlington and Greensboro) through 1 p.m. Monday and the Ice Storm Warning in the Charlotte area is in effect through 1 p.m. Monday.
In the Elon/Burlington area, precipitation is expected to begin around 10 p.m. this evening and continue overnight and throughout the day Sunday. The mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to lead to ice accumulation and hazardous conditions.
For students who are in the Elon/Burlington area, please note the following important reminders:
- Driving is NOT recommended overnight tonight or all day tomorrow. If you are accessing campus facilities or services, walking is recommended. Wear warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and watch for ice.
- As the storm progresses, staff from Facilities Management and Campus Safety and Police will be maintaining campus facilities, sidewalks, and roadways, but extra caution is advised.
- Main campus facilities will follow the adjusted break schedule for operating hours; several campus buildings and services will be available today and tomorrow despite the weather.
Elon facilities in Greensboro and Charlotte are closed today and tomorrow. Students studying for the bar exam will not be able to access Law School facilities.
Please review previous messages (copied below) for storm preparation guidance and links to university communication resources. Our next email update is planned for Sunday afternoon.
FRIDAY, JAN. 23, at 4 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We continue to monitor the forecast and prepare for the storm expected this weekend. The most significant change from our last email update is that the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Triad Region (including Elon/Burlington and Greensboro) from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. In the Charlotte area, an Ice Storm Warning has been issued from 1 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. The forecast for our entire region continues to call for a mix of precipitation Saturday evening and throughout the day Sunday, with ice accumulation that will lead to hazardous travel conditions, tree/limb damage, and potential power outages.
Staff from Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Police, Student Life, Dining Services, and other units are continuing to prepare for the storm and will be on campus throughout the weekend. Students, faculty, and staff should continue personal preparations now, including careful review of the university Emergency & Severe Weather Resources and the advice for “Power Outage Tips” in the campus Emergency Response Guide.
We will continue to keep the community informed about any campus impact through the following sources:
- A planned daily afternoon email update
- Updates to the storm-related Today at Elon story
- E-Alert text message (for short emergency messages) – sign up or verify your registration online here
- Elon social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram.
THURSDAY, JAN. 22, at 4:30 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
This is an update regarding university preparations for the winter weather expected this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of central North Carolina. Confidence is increasing that a combination of rain, snow, and sleet will arrive in the area Saturday late afternoon or early evening and may continue through Monday morning. Ice accumulation is expected, which could lead to hazardous travel, tree/limb damage, and power outages.
The preparation recommendations in yesterday’s message (included below) remain as important guidance and we recommend taking action now. Be ready for the possibility of power outages – review the advice for “Power Outage Tips” in the campus Emergency Response Guide.
University officials are actively monitoring forecasts, and staff in Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Police, Student Life, and Dining Services have been preparing the campus.
For students who will be on campus or in the area during the break, by Friday afternoon we will share information about the campus services that will be open throughout the weekend. We anticipate on-campus activities that involve residential students who are already here may proceed as they are able. We also recommend that students make plans to avoid car travel on Sunday when accessing campus buildings or resources.
Our next email regarding the storm is planned for Friday afternoon, and we will continue to update the Today at Elon story about university preparations for the storm. We recommend the National Weather Service latest weather briefing (which is updated regularly) and the winter weather page on their website as reliable sources of information about the forecast and potential impact of the storm in our region.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, at 12 p.m.
Message from Vice President Jon Dooley to the Elon University community
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of significant winter weather in our region this weekend. Cold temperatures are predicted to arrive late Friday or overnight into Saturday, followed by precipitation Saturday into Sunday. While the exact timing and nature of the storm is difficult to forecast at this time, there is increasing confidence that the storm will have potential effects across North Carolina and could bring significant accumulations of ice and/or snow. The cold weather is expected to remain into early next week, which could prevent melting of whatever precipitation we receive. The forecast can change significantly leading up to a storm of this nature, but in our area, the mix of snow, ice, and sustained cold temperatures can lead to hazardous travel conditions, downed trees and branches, and possible power outages, so it is important to be prepared.
University officials are actively monitoring forecasts, and staff in Facilities Management, Campus Safety and Police, Student Life, and Dining Services – as well as the leadership of the Greensboro and Charlotte campuses – have begun to prepare for the possibility of severe weather. Information from this email about the storm and its impact on the university has now been published on Today at Elon and the story will continue to be regularly updated with operational changes and other important information.
How should students prepare?
- Be ready for the possibility of power outages; review the advice for “Power Outage Tips” in the campus Emergency Response Guide.
- Charge cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices – including portable chargers – in advance of storms.
- Know where you can find a flashlight (ideally separate from your phone), medications, and any other supplies you might need.
- Avoid car travel in snow and ice conditions; those who are new to this area should be aware that snowfall or ice can cause significant travel disruptions and unsafe conditions in this region. Check the forecast and conditions before planning any travel for Saturday or Sunday.
- Law students in Greensboro and Charlotte will receive additional communications from Elon Law administrators with any operational updates or schedule changes made necessary by winter weather.
Are there changes to campus services this weekend?
Many campus operations will keep their regular Winter Term hours this weekend, but we also plan to send out follow-up messages in the coming days to confirm any planned alterations.
Changes will typically be announced in advance, but can sometimes shift at the last-minute, based on staffing levels and area conditions. Always check the Elon Dining Menu and Hours website for the latest information about what’s open and what’s on the menu.
How do I stay informed?
It is important that everyone continue to monitor news and weather forecasts and watch for Elon announcements throughout the storm. These are your primary sources of Elon information:
- Emails sent to Elon email accounts
- Today at Elon website
- E-Alert text message (for short emergency messages). Sign up or verify your registration online here.
- Elon social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram.
We are planning for an email update to the community Thursday afternoon as a more detailed weather forecast becomes available.