January 23, 2026

Dear Howard University Community, 

As you may be aware, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Washington-Metropolitan corridor from tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 24, until Monday, Jan. 26. In preparation for the anticipated severe weather conditions, the District of Columbia government has declared a snow emergency. In addition, an arctic blast is expected this evening, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing for several days. 

The university is monitoring weather forecasts and consulting with various local and federal agencies as conditions remain dynamic. Should weather hazards affect the university's normal operations — including delayed opening, hybrid work, remote instruction or closing — employees and students will receive email notifications with detailed operations information and instructions. Critical services will continue to be available for students, including dining, public safety, and emergency services.

As inclement weather is forecasted to approach the area, we each have a role in safety preparation. Slippery or icy walkways and road conditions may compromise travel to, away from, and around campus. Please also note that forecasted weather is not a guarantee of weather outcomes and weather forecasts sometimes change frequently.

Current Forecast:

• Heavy snow precipitation with accumulation, slippery conditions, ice, and freezing rain.
• Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this evening.

How to Prepare:

• Stay informed about changing weather conditions.
• Gather items you may need for possible remote instruction and to be comfortable in case travel away from your residence proves hazardous or impossible. 
• Researchers should complete or save any experiments planned for the weekend.
• Save all unsaved documents in case of power outages.
• Power down or unplug sensitive equipment to protect against power surges.
• Ensure that you have clothing, tools, or other items you may need to safely resume normal activities if there is snow accumulation.
• District of Columbia snow emergencies require cars to be removed from snow emergency routes, including Georgia Avenue, 16th Street, Harvard Street, Columbia Road, Park Road, Kenyon Street, and Irving Street near Howard. More information about snow emergencies is available through the city’s website.
• If you do have to go outside, limit prolonged exposure and dress in layers.
• Pets get cold too! Remember to protect your pets and ensure that they will have food and water.

Additional emails with detailed operational updates will be sent over the next 72 hours. Please visit howard.edu and check Howard’s main social media pages for updates. For safety concerns, please call (202) 806-1100 and for facilities issues, please call (202) 806-1000.

We are thankful to the many members of the Howard community who are working hard to support students, faculty, and staff during this weather event. Our operational teams have been mobilized to begin pretreatment of roadways, sidewalks, stairs, and entryways beginning tonight and to clear accumulated snow once the event ends. Additionally, we are checking residential and academic buildings to ensure they maintain adequate heat and identify any potential concerns. We also are rechecking the generators, HVAC systems, and wireless connections in our residential facilities and other key buildings across campus.

Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe by checking on neighbors, passing along accurate information, and sharing resources.

In Truth and Service,

Rashad M. Young
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Cynthia Evers, Ed.D. 
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

Marcus E. Lyles
Associate Vice President, Public Safety & Emergency Management