Throughout the winter season, team members closely follow the weather forecasts for our community and, most importantly, activate SWAT when a winter storm watch or warning is issued for our area. For example, last winter, the SWAT responded to two winter storms, which resulted in four impacted days on Grounds. As winter weather can differ yearly in central Virginia, we remain alert for severe weather.
The SWAT includes operational leaders from schools and departments, including Emergency Management, Facilities Management, University Police, Business Operations, Parking & Transportation, Provost’s Office, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Recreation, Libraries, and other operational areas. Individually, these team members help direct inclement weather responsibilities for their department or unit; collectively, they help create a “big picture” of conditions on Grounds for each weather event and assess the impact on the institution’s operations. When all this information is weighed, the team’s responsibility is to recommend a course of action for the academic division to the University’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.
If operations on Grounds are impacted by winter weather, all students, faculty, and staff will receive an email from the University’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer with instructions on any closures or delays for the day.
Words to Watch for in the Forecast:
Winter Storm Watch*
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean significant and hazardous winter weather will occur; it simply means it is possible.
Winter Weather Advisory*
A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain) is expected to cause a significant inconvenience but not severe enough to warrant a warning.
Winter Weather Storm Warning*
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combinations of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.
*NOAA defines hazardous weather as 5 or more inches of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period, enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines and/or a life-threatening combination of snow/ice with wind.