Jan. 23, 2026
Dear URI Students, Faculty, and Staff,
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Rhode Island, with frigid temperatures expected Saturday and heavy snow likely Sunday into Monday.
All in-person classes on all URI campuses are canceled for Monday, January 26, 2026. No synchronous online courses will be held. For asynchronous online courses, please check your course site in Brightspace for any course-specific updates and guidance from your instructor.
Additional details regarding modifications to class schedules, campus operations, and parking, are available in the University’s official Weather Alert.
The NWS has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory for tonight, Jan. 23, into Saturday morning, Jan. 24, with dangerously cold wind chills that could fall between 10- and 20-below-zero and cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Please plan accordingly and take precautions.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
Dress appropriately
Wear layers of clothing and when you are outside, wear an appropriate combination of insulated gloves, boots, a hat, and a face covering.
Avoid being outside for extended periods
In cold weather, frostbite and hypothermia are a risk if you aren’t dressed appropriately. If you are outside and notice signs of first-degree frostbite, move inside and start warming yourself with warm (not hot) water or body heat. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately.
Plan your travel
Keep the gas tank in your vehicle at least half full to prevent the gas line from freezing, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Keep jumper cables, a blanket, a phone charger, and an ice scraper in your vehicle. If you have reliable transportation but know of friends or colleagues who don’t, consider offering them a ride.
Take care of your body
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they constrict blood vessels, which limits circulation. Additionally, if your judgment is impaired by alcohol, you run the risk of not realizing you are exposing yourself to dangerous temperatures.
Stay aware
Monitor forecasts through local news outlets or weather apps as a Winter Storm Warning has also been issued for our entire area from Sunday, Jan. 25, through Monday, Jan. 26, that will create difficult travel conditions, especially Sunday night.
All community members should make sure they are registered to receive URI Alert text messages. You can view and edit your information on the Emergency Management site. This is the best way to receive timely information about campus emergencies.
If you live off campus
Make sure your heat is set high enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Another way to prevent pipes from freezing is to let faucets drip during extremely cold periods. Shut all windows and doors, including storm windows and doors. Local towns are making plans to open warming centers. Please find a local center in the event you lose power or heat, or visit Rhode Island’s Emergency Management Agency website for information on warming centers near you.
Facilities reminder
Facilities Operations asks members of the University community to ensure windows and doors are closed and secured before leaving for the day and throughout the weekend. Leaving windows and doors open could result in frozen pipes and subsequent damage, as well as the loss of University property. Also, please remember to keep the heat on in your buildings and offices.
Stay safe, warm, and well.