Dear UAH Students, Faculty and Staff,
With winter now upon us and spring around the corner, it’s a good time to remind the campus community about university operations in the event of inclement weather. In general, UAH remains open for business even in challenging weather conditions, but we will always prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members when determining operating status.
Instructional Guidance
As we begin the semester, faculty should make clear on their syllabi the instructional contingency plans, e.g., synchronous or asynchronous remote learning or make-up sessions. When changes are needed, it is incumbent upon faculty to communicate the changes as soon as possible and for students to monitor their UAH student email account so that they can receive notifications. Off-campus students and employees traveling from surrounding counties are encouraged to use good judgment when deciding whether to drive to campus during inclement weather. The safety of all students and employees is critically important, but we cannot account for the local circumstances of every person when evaluating whether to close or remain open. If a student decides against traveling to campus because of inclement weather, it is the responsibility of the student to contact each professor as soon as possible to explain the circumstances and to determine the need to complete any missed assignments and within what time frame. Faculty should provide students who miss a class because of severe weather conditions with a reasonable opportunity to make up assignments or exams, and the missed class should not impact the student’s attendance grade. Similarly, if a faculty member decides against traveling to campus, the instructor should notify the department chair and enrolled students as soon as possible and then communicate plans for instructional continuity. During periods of inclement weather, we do encourage our faculty to be flexible and responsible regarding classes and assignments.
Communication Channels
When operations are impacted, the university will notify the UAH community as soon as possible. Changes in the university’s operating status will be announced via the UAlert Emergency Notification System and other communication methods including:
Visit ualert.uah.edu to verify your UAH emergency notification contact information. All other emergency information may be found here.
A Note on Watches, Advisories and Warnings
National Weather Service (NWS) criteria varies by region. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with criteria for weather events in North Alabama so you can take appropriate action.
- WATCH: Be prepared! A Winter Storm Watch is issued in advance of the storm and indicates the potential for hazardous conditions to develop within the next 24 to 72 hours. In such cases, you should remain weather aware, checking for updates and making preparations to ensure you are ready for potential impacts. As an event becomes imminent, a watch will be upgraded to either a WARNING or ADVISORY.
- ADVISORY: Exercise caution! A Winter Weather Advisory means impactful and inconvenient, but not necessarily overly disruptive, wintry weather is possible. In such cases, you should complete your preparations and adjust plans if necessary.
- WARNING: Take action! A Winter Storm Warning means disruptive winter storm conditions are either already occurring or are expected. A Winter Storm Warning will be issued if snow, ice accumulation, or sleet is expected that will make travel conditions hazardous. In such instances, you should complete your preparations and take appropriate action to stay safe.
View the National Weather Service (NWS) in Huntsville page for detailed criteria and additional information on winter weather impacts in our region.
A Note on Travel Safety
In the event of inclement weather, monitor your local agencies for updates on road conditions and feasibility of travel in your area.
- The City of Huntsville will be monitoring icy road conditions. Road conditions and closures will be publicized through the Huntsville City Alert system,local media and City of Huntsville social media.
- The Alabama Department of Transportation monitors state and federal highways, including U.S. 231 (Memorial Parkway), U.S. 72 (University Drive), U.S. 431 (Governor’s Drive), and Interstate 565. For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation encourages individuals to visit com.
Be sure to adhere to travel advisories that may be issued. While a road may no longer be closed or deemed “impassible,” it may remain hazardous. Use your best judgment and do not impede the operations of emergency vehicles.
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
Lastly, as we head toward Spring, please also familiarize yourself with UAH's campus tornado safety information in advance of potential severe thunderstorms and tornado activity.
The NWS Huntsville severe weather page contains detailed information on the various watches and warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Please remain weather aware and take the necessary precautions to remain safe.