The Fredericksburg area is under a winter storm watch beginning Saturday, January 24, and we are monitoring the winter weather forecasted for this weekend. This storm may bring significant snow, ice, and sleet to the area, resulting in hazardous travel conditions, downed trees, and possible power outages.
Students and employees are encouraged to prepare in advance. Please do not travel during the storm this weekend, including traveling to or from campus, or navigating across campus if paths are not clear.
Ways to Prepare
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management shares several tips to prepare for a winter storm in their online guide. A few quick tips are to have extra supplies in case of a power outage, including extra jackets or blankets to stay warm, and make sure flashlights are charged or you have batteries. Extra water and food are also recommended. And now is the time to get fuel for your car before the storm, then make sure it’s parked in an area away from snow removal.
Where to Park
Snow emergency parking restrictions will be in effect beginning Friday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m., through the weekend until further notice. Lots will be pretreated prior to the winter storm and must be cleared to facilitate snow removal. Vehicles remaining in snow emergency parking areas on Saturday will be towed.
Vehicles must be moved to the Battleground lot #33 off Hanover St., William St. lot, Sunken Road lots, or lower levels of the parking decks.
The top level of the parking decks will be closed, as these areas ice quickly. Eagle Landing residents should move vehicles to lower levels of the deck. Do not park on College Avenue as the city will also be clearing snow.
How to Pick Up Meals and More
Dining Services will offer meal pick-up on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, from 2-4 p.m. from the first floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center for students with meal plans. The Sunday pick-up will include meals through Monday morning. Be on the lookout for more information from Residence Life.
The Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center and retail dining spaces will close Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. Sign up and follow the UMWFoodies by texting 82257 for text updates on dining operations, which are also shared on UMW Dining on Facebook.
Student Activities and Engagement will also offer “take and make” activities from the Cedric Rucker University Center – SAE Office Suite.
Schedule Changes and Communication
All public events on UMW campuses should conclude by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Public events are cancelled on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Athletics has altered schedules for the weekend, with more information available on the UMW Eagles website.
In addition to preparing before the storm, Facilities staff will be on campus throughout the winter weather, working to clear the snow when it is safe to do so. Residential students can report any issues through the work order system. For facilities emergencies outside normal business hours call the University Police at 540-654-1025. For any campus emergencies, contact the UMW Police emergency number at 540-654-4444.
We’ll continue to update campus through the weekend on any additional schedule changes. Campus updates will be provided by email as communication channels stay online. Information is also updated on the University Information Line, which can be reached at (540) 654-2424. Updates will be shared via social media and the media as we can, but please check email first. Any severe storm updates will come through the National Weather Service via text message in UMW Alerts to keep you updated on the storm wherever you are, but campus operations and schedule changes are communicated via email and the UMW website.
Resources and Reminders
- City of Fredericksburg news and updates – check for social media to follow and receive updates via Fredericksburg Alerts, or look for similar sign-up options in the city, county, or area where you live.
- VDOT news and updates, and Virginia 511 system for road information
- Ready.gov information on winter weather
- Ready.gov information on emergency kits
Thank you for staying informed and staying safe during the storm.