The following message was sent to the campus community from W&M Public Safety regarding a winter storm expected in the Williamsburg, VA area Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2026 – Ed.
Update – Winter Storm Gianna Preparations
Jan. 30, 2026, 2 p.m.
Dear William & Mary community:
Williamsburg and the broader Peninsula region are under a Winter Storm Warning this weekend from Saturday at 1 a.m. to Sunday at 1 a.m. The current forecast is predicting up to 3 inches of snow for Williamsburg with the potential for higher snow totals south and east. Precipitation is expected to be accompanied by strong, gusting winds and persistent frigid temperatures.
Given the weather, campus will be closed starting Saturday at 5 p.m. and reopen no earlier than Sunday at 9 a.m. Dining and event updates will be available at the links below.
Classes will be held on Monday but members of the community should monitor the weather and take whatever precautions are necessary when coming to campus.
With any new snow, Facilities Operations will focus first on critical routes, entrances, and high-traffic pedestrian areas. They will prioritize clearing snow and ice as quickly as conditions allow. With temperatures below freezing, refreezing is a concern.
Continue to Use Caution
- Limit time outdoors and dress warmly and in layers when outdoors. Frostbite conditions will exist throughout the weekend.
- With the high winds, please stay away from trees as branches may fall.
- Please use the primary cleared paths for routine travel, especially as fresh snow falls. Only use secondary entrances, exterior stairwells, or pathways in emergencies.
Don’t Forget
- Dining schedules will be updated at W&M Dining.
- Check W&M Events for any scheduling changes.
Stay safe,
Cliff Everton
Emergency Management Team – Chair
William & Mary