Winter Storm Announcements

January 26, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We were prepared, and we were lucky.

The storm has passed, we have assessed campus buildings, roadways and pathways, and we will resume our regular schedule of classes, work assignments, and events on Wednesday. As this time, Warren Wilson Road is clear, and no issues have been reported.

I am grateful to all who contributed to our storm preparedness and response including Facilities, Public Safety, Sodexo’s Food Services teams, and several student work crews. The storm did not cause damage, and we did not lose power.

Students

Those who left campus are welcome to return! Please note the following:

• If you traveled to an area where road conditions will not permit your safe return in time for Wednesday classes, please be in touch with your professors and work crew supervisors, and send a message to housing@warren-wilson.edu.
• Below freezing temperatures are expected to continue through the next week. Please wear hats, scarves, gloves and coats to stay warm and protected from the elements.
• To accommodate lower student demand, Sodexo has changed cafeteria hours today and Tuesday: Breakfast, 9–11 a.m.; Lunch, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Closed, 1–4 p.m.; Lite Dinner, 4–5 p.m., and; Dinner, 5–6:30 p.m.
• DeVries will be open beginning at 10 a.m., Tuesday, for recreation and workouts.

Employees

For those who can resume regular work tomorrow (Tuesday), we look forward to seeing you in person. Those who cannot make it to campus should contact their supervisors and work remotely, if possible. We will resume standard operations on Wednesday.

We look forward to getting back to learning and living in community.

Damián

January 25, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Good afternoon from the icy campus of WWC.

Overnight a thin layer of ice accumulated across our buildings, roads, walkways, and land. Our Facilities Management staff, Public Safety officers, and student crews continue to treat problem areas, keeping most internal roads and pathways passable. Since the storm began, our Cafeteria has maintained normal operations. We are grateful for the dedication of our colleagues and students in these essential areas.

We have been fortunate not to lose power. The generator in Gladfelter is ready should we need it for heat, electricity, and food services.

We urge anyone on campus to exercise extreme caution. For their safety, students should use the pedestrian bridge to access Gladfelter. Those coming from the Villages should walk under the Kittredge overhang and follow the road to access Gladfelter. Please avoid all of Warren Wilson Road, which is slick and, therefore, dangerous, in particular the intersection at Chapel Lane.

Earlier today The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday. Cold temperatures and wind chills as low as 5 below are expected. Winds may gust up to 50 mph. The ice storm warning remains in effect until 1 p.m., Monday. Rain is expected this afternoon and may create another layer of ice on roads and pathways overnight. The effects of the storm will impact us for a while.

Please expect a message by 5 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, regarding the resumption of classes on Wednesday. Road conditions and the likelihood of safe travel to campus for our students and employees will guide our decision-making. We will be in communication with County Emergency Management as we finalize our decision. 

Staff and faculty should plan to work remotely on Monday, as circumstances permit. If you are unable to do so, please contact your supervisor. 

Please note these important reminders:

• Sidewalks: We continue to prioritize primary walking paths for snow/ice removal and salt. Use the pedestrian bridge and avoid walking on or crossing Warren Wilson Road on foot.
• Danger from limbs and power lines: Trees and limbs may fall, even after the worst of the storm has passed. Live power lines may be down and should be avoided.
• Driving: Do not drive. We have been asked by Buncombe County Emergency Management to keep roadways clear, including those on campus.
• Stay Indoors: Emergency Management has urged everyone to stay indoors, if at all possible. Students who stay on campus should inform an RA on duty if they venture outside during the storm or its aftermath.

In case of an emergency or weather-related concerns, please contact Public Safety at (828) 230-4592. If you have not yet registered for Omnilert to receive emergency notifications via text, visit https://warren-wilson.omnilert.net/subscriber.php. (Click the “Sign Up” button at the top.) You also may stay informed by visiting our Storm 2026 web site.

Stay warm and safe.

Damián

January 24, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Preparations for the approaching winter storm have been a community effort. Thank you to the Facilities team, essential College personnel, and all of those—including our students—who have worked to get our campus ready.

The ice storm warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect now until 1 p.m., Monday. Up to one inch of snow and one inch of ice is expected depending on elevation. Wind gusts may reach 45 mph. The weight of the ice and snow could cause tree limbs to fall and power lines to snap creating a threat to life and property and extended power outages.

Students who have not done so still have time to go home or stay with a friend. Please do not wait any longer as roads will become treacherous during the next hours. No one should be driving in those conditions.

If you decide to stay, we remind you that we cannot promise heating and regular services on campus, although the cafeteria continues to operate on a regular basis until further notice.

For those remaining on campus, you must exercise extreme caution. For your safety, please note:

• Sidewalks: We will prioritize primary walking paths for snow/ice removal and salt. Try to stay on those.
• Danger from limbs and power lines: Trees and limbs may fall, even after the worst of the storm has passed. Live power lines may be down and should be avoided.
• Driving: Do not drive. We have been asked by Buncombe County Emergency Management to keep roadways clear, including those on campus.
• Stay Indoors: Emergency Management has urged everyone to stay indoors, if at all possible. Students who stay on campus should inform an RA on duty if they venture outside during the storm or its aftermath.

Please know that we do not expect to make a decision about when classes will resume until Monday afternoon when the ice storm warning expires.

This message was sent as a text message via Omnilert as well. Register for the WWC Omnilert emergency notifications system at https://warren-wilson.omnilert.net/subscriber.php. (Click the “Sign Up” button at the top.) The College will use the system to send text updates and alert the community when email updates have been shared. You also may stay informed by visiting our Storm 2026 web site.

We will do our best to communicate tomorrow afternoon. Please be safe.

Damián

January 23, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Thank you for your partnership and cooperation as we continue to plan for the impending winter storm.

Weather Update: The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning from 1 p.m., Saturday, until 7 a.m., Monday. The heaviest period of ice, snow and sleet accumulations will begin Saturday evening tapering to snow Sunday evening and overnight. Roadways are expected to become treacherous, and widespread power outages—which may last for multiple days—are likely due to the weight of ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines. Forecasters predict wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Students are encouraged to leave campus after classes today. If travel home is not possible, students should consider joining a friend who is leaving campus. A power outage will create uncomfortable conditions in the residence halls, and College services will be limited.

Everyone is urged to use extreme caution while driving, and refrain from taking risks. Students who plan to leave campus should do so as soon as possible after attending Friday classes. Buncombe County Emergency Management is asking everyone to get to a safe place then stay there to allow for emergency and service vehicles to access roadways. Everyone should plan to avoid roadways for three days after the storm arrives.

The College will continue to monitor the impact of the storm and will communicate on a daily basis, and as needed.

Key Reminders for Students:

Work Program: Please review with care the email sent today by the Work Program Office for information about work schedules and expectations during the closure.

Before Leaving Campus: Students living on campus should email housing@warren-wilson.edu and notify their RA.

Add/Drop Deadline: The add/drop deadline will remain the same—Monday, January 26, at 11:59 p.m. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor and the Registrar to make final changes to their schedule prior to Monday in case of a power outage.

Food and Water: Sodexo is well-stocked to provide for students remaining on campus. If needed, drinking water will be available in Gladfelter.

Weekend Events: All events—including Athletic competitions—have been canceled beginning Saturday through Tuesday.

We appreciate the efforts of all those who are working hard to prepare us for the storm. Everyone, please be safe.

Damián

January 22, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch for our area. A large storm that may produce ice, snow and low temperatures is expected to impact much of the central, southeastern and eastern coastal areas of the country. The current forecast for our region indicates that a rain/snow/sleet mix will begin late on Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday evening. Forecasted precipitation amounts are up to 3” of snow and ½- to 1-inch of ice accumulation. It is likely that local road conditions will be poor, and power outages are expected, which will impact indoor lighting and heating. Temperatures for next week are expected to be colder than normal, so accumulated snow or ice may remain for several days.

The College’s senior leadership team has been monitoring the NWS reports, preparing campus and implementing a storm plan to address essential needs. Please note these important announcements:

• Classes are canceled Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27. Given what we know about expected road conditions and power outages, we must err on the side of caution and cancel classes.
• Services may be compromised. If we lose power, we will not be able to heat buildings, including the residence halls. A generator powering Gladfelter will allow us to provide food, some heated space, and power for charging phones.
• Students are encouraged to leave campus after classes on Friday. The College will provide support for students who are unable to travel home or leave with a friend, but a power outage will create uncomfortable conditions in the residence halls, and services will be limited.

WWC community members should take the following actions:

Students, faculty, staff and parents:

• Register for the WWC Omnilert emergency notifications system at https://warren-wilson.omnilert.net/subscriber.php. (Click the “Sign Up” button at the top.) The College will use the system to send text updates and alert the community when email updates have been shared.
• Make sure you can charge your mobile phone via your car or battery packs even if you lose power.

Students

• If you are planning to leave the area ahead of the storm, we suggest leaving by Saturday morning.
• Those with pets should make plans to keep them safe in the expected conditions.
• Dorm residents, please close your windows to minimize building heat loss.
• If you are leaving, please let your RA know or send an email to housing@warren-wilson.edu
• Replace the batteries in any flashlights that you may have.

Employees

• Review the college’s inclement weather policy.
• Supervisors, please communicate with your employees about expectations for on-site versus remote work, and any anticipated essential functions on Monday or Tuesday. Please prepare work spaces that may be temporarily vacated during the storm.
• Faculty can expect a follow up communication from academic affairs with additional guidance regarding class cancellation and academic expectations.

We will continue to monitor the impact of the storm and will communicate on a daily basis, and as needed. Please be safe.

We are looking forward to reconvening classes after the storm.

Damián