Emergency Information

Winter weather advisory (for Monday, February 23, 2026)

With a winter storm expected to impact our region, we are continuing to monitor forecasts and weather conditions closely. While projections remain subject to change, current guidance indicates approximately 18–24 inches of snowfall across our area, with some regional variation. Snow is expected to begin on Sunday, and grown increasingly strong overnight into Monday. Periods of heavy accumulation and high winds may create hazardous travel conditions. This is compounded by the fact that our area still has snow accumulation left from the storm on January 26. Accordingly, Brown University administrative and academic offices will be closed, and no in-person classes will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Classes scheduled for Monday may be held remotely at the discretion of the instructor. Faculty (and graduate instructors) who choose to teach their classes remotely should notify their students directly. This is entirely at the discretion of faculty and instructors, and classes that are not well-suited or prepared to be held remotely are not required to be held.

Staff whose positions have been designated as essential because their responsibilities include non-deferrable services that must be performed during an Administrative Closure will report to work as directed by management on Monday. All other staff, including those in hybrid and remote positions, are not expected to work on Monday. The Brown University weather policy contains detailed information on time and attendance in the event of weather-related closures. We understand individual travel impacts may vary, and supervisors should show flexibility where possible. We will reassess our plans for University operations for Tuesday, February 24, should conditions still impede in-person operations. If we determine we need to keep offices closed on Tuesday, we will send out another campus message.

All members of the community are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel and to remain indoors during the height of the storm. Heavy snowfall; high winds; ice and snow on streets, sidewalks and paths; and a lack of visibility will pose serious risks. Please stay safe and stay indoors.

Please note the status of the following operations:

• The responsibility to cease operations of the Brown University Shuttle (B.U.S.) rests with the B.U.S. operator, Transdev, and will be made and communicated separately from any decision to close or delay opening of the University. B.U.S., due to the type of vehicles and service, may shut down in inclement weather even when the University is operating normally. Users of the service should monitor communications (generally made via email to the Brown community and on the B.U.S. website) regarding service status carefully and plan travel accordingly during periods of snow, ice, freezing rain or other inclement weather conditions.
• Sharpe Refectory and Verney-Woolley are expected to have extended dining hours on Monday, opening at 7:30 a.m., with continuous service to 11:00 p.m. Other dining service units may be closed or operating with modified hours; check the Dining website for actual hours. While we anticipate normal dining operations on Sunday, hours may be adjusted as weather conditions change. Updates will be posted on the Dining website.

For information about other University services, please refer to department websites. It is important to note the following safety guidance:

• Given the potential for heavy, wet snow, falling or downed branches and power lines are a particular concern. Do not approach or touch a downed power line under any circumstances, but report it immediately to the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management (DPSEM) at 401-863-4111.
• Grounds and custodial staff will be clearing pedestrian paths, stairs and parking areas as soon as conditions allow. Depending on the total amount of accumulation, snow removal may take some time. Members of the community are encouraged to remain patient and exercise caution on paths, which are expected to be covered with snow and ice.
• Both Brown DPSEM and Emergency Medical Services are on patrol and available 24 hours a day. Report any emergencies at 401-863-4111. Reports of power outages or facilities concerns can be made to Service Response at 401-863-7800.

Community members should also monitor local and municipal information sources for updates that may impact your commute or off-campus parking, including city parking restrictions and parking bans. The City of Providence may issue a citywide parking ban. In the event of a ban, residents with overnight parking permits should note that street parking is not permitted for the duration of the ban. Providence weather-related updates are available at: https://www.providenceri.gov/snow-ready.

We will continue to update the community with additional information as necessary. If you have not already done so, make certain your emergency contact information is up to date so that we can contact you as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency. All students, faculty and staff are strongly urged to ensure that their contact information is updated so they can receive alerts through the RAVE BrownAlert system. Our IT Help article about BrownAlert notifications provides detailed instructions for students and employees to do this, and to help ensure you get the most reliable delivery of any alerts.

When a decision is made to close or delay opening of University administrative and/or academic operations, it will be communicated to the University community via the following methods:

• The Emergency Information Line recorded message at 401-863-3111;
• Providence-area radio and television stations and websites; and
• the Brown homepage and Emergency web page.

Finally, please join us in thanking the many University staff who will be working throughout the storm to keep students healthy, secure and fed, and ensuring essential operations continue without interruption.

Sincerely,

Sarah C. Latham
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Francis J. Doyle III
Provost

About the Emergency Information website

This website — Brown’s Emergency Information website — is the official source for information from the University about emergencies affecting campus. In the event of an emergency, this site will be updated continually with information about the nature of the emergency, how to remain safe and the status of campus operations. Updates on weather conditions that affect campus operations are posted to the site as well.

In the absence of an emergency, general information and resources are included below.

What to expect in an emergency

In the event of an emergency, please continue to check this page for updates. Details included on this page during an emergency will include:

• Information and updates about the nature of the emergency
• Steps being taken to address the emergency
• Current status, with cumulative chronology
• Any necessary instructions for the University community
• Resources for further information

In any emergency, Brown’s chief priority will be the safety of students, faculty, staff and affected community members. Other priorities include the mitigation of damage; communication with members of the University community; and recovery and restoration of academic and research operations.

How to ensure that you’ll receive emergency alerts

During emergency situations, the University will deliver alerts and instructions to Brown community members via mobile phones and other communications platforms. To ensure that Brown can reach you, students, faculty and staff should provide their mobile phone number for use during emergencies. Personal mobile phone numbers will only be used by authorized personnel for emergencies or official business.

To make sure your information is up to date:

• Brown students: provide your mobile phone number in Banner.
• Brown faculty and staff: provide your mobile phone number in Workday.