The Forecast Calls for Snow. Here’s What to Know

University President Darryll J. Pines and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice sent the following message to the campus community on Thursday:

Campus leadership is closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend, tracking meteorological models as conditions develop. We have adjusted our Residence Hall move-in schedule this weekend and have urged all students to return before Sunday.

Our outstanding Facilities Management team is making preparations for snow removal, and faculty will be issued guidance on options to offer asynchronous instruction to maintain continuity of learning, particularly in the event of a multi-day campus closure. More details about the forthcoming storm can be found below.

As always, umd.edu/weather remains your best resource for frequently asked questions, including class schedule impacts and availability of resources during a closure.

How to Receive Information During a Snowstorm 
The university may close, delay opening or close early in the event of extreme weather conditions. This decision will be made based on the severity of the weather and the potential impact on campus operations. We are committed to minimizing disruption to our academic and research missions and to prioritizing the safety of our campus.

As a residential campus, certain essential services and operations, such as housing, dining and public safety, will continue during weather-related closures. Employees are encouraged to speak directly with their supervisors to address any questions.

The best way to receive inclement weather notifications directly is to make sure you are signed up for UMD text alerts.

Updates regarding UMD’s closures, delays and other schedule changes will be announced through various channels, including:

• Email and text alerts (UMD Alerts)
• A banner or announcement on the university homepage
• University X/Twitter accounts (@President_Pines, @UMDRightNow and @UofMaryland)
• UMD Snowline (x5-SNOW or 301-405-7669)

On each day of inclement weather, every effort will be made to communicate changes to campus operations by 4:30 a.m. Local media outlets often cover changes to university operations. However, for the most up-to-date information, please check the university channels listed.

The university will not make an announcement if the campus is open and operating under normal operations.

Storm Safety Tips
Please keep in mind this safety information.

• Should you need assistance during the storm:
  • In the event of a power outage, if you are experiencing an issue with accessibility in an affected building, please call FM’s Customer Response Center at 301.405.2222.
  • During an outage, individuals with mobility impairment and/or a disability should call UMPD at 301.405.3555 for egress assistance and 911 for any life safety issue.
• Keep essentials like a flashlight nearby and avoid using candles.
• Fully charge phones, laptops and battery packs in case of power interruptions.
• Make plans to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement around campus or the surrounding area.
• If you must walk outdoors, take your time, use cleared paths and watch for black ice.

January 2026 Storm
Here are some updates specific to the upcoming snowstorm. Additional updates will be posted as needed to umd.edu/weather. 

Residence Halls and Off-campus Terps 

• Residence hall students are now welcome to move in beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, instead of noon as previously communicated.
• Resident Life is accepting early arrival requests for Friday, Jan. 23, for those who cannot arrive on Saturday. The early arrival fees will be waived.
• If you are a new resident and arrive to campus on Friday, Jan. 23, we encourage you to stop by the ID card office in the C. Mitchell Building to pick up your ID card.
• Please avoid arriving on Sunday or early next week. Facilities teams will be focused on clearing snow, treating sidewalks and maintaining critical access for emergency vehicles.
• Students who live off campus are encouraged to return to the College Park area prior to Sunday.

Dining Services

• Spring Dining Dollars will be available for use as of 10 a.m. Friday, January 23.
• Any changes to dining hours and locations related to inclement weather will be posted on the Dining Services website.

Stay Warm, Stay Safe
We would like to extend a special thanks to our weather-essential staff who work so hard to meet the needs of our fellow Terps during a severe weather event. Wishing all of you a safe and healthy winter in the months ahead.

Sincerely,