Winter weather forecast and updates at Elon University

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.