Elizabeth City State University
Adverse Weather
All changes in campus operational status due to adverse weather events will be communicated with as much notice to the campus community as possible. All weather-related communications will be made via university email, ECSU Adverse Weather page, the university homepage and RAVE alert. The university Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as local media, are also alerted of status changes due to weather.
2026 Adverse Weather Dates:
3/16/2026
Tornado Watch issued March 16 at 10:52AM EDT until March 16 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 67 IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN MARYLAND THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MARYLAND DORCHESTER SOMERSET WICOMICO
WORCESTER
IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES
IN NORTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA
BERTIE CAMDEN CHOWAN
CURRITUCK GATES HERTFORD
NORTHAMPTON PASQUOTANK PERQUIMANS
IN VIRGINIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 53 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA
AMELIA CHESTERFIELD
CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS CITY OF RICHMOND
CUMBERLAND FLUVANNA GOOCHLAND
HANOVER HENRICO LOUISA
POWHATAN PRINCE EDWARD
IN EAST CENTRAL VIRGINIA
CHARLES CITY ESSEX KING WILLIAM
KING AND QUEEN NEW KENT RICHMOND
WESTMORELAND
IN EASTERN VIRGINIA
LANCASTER MATHEWS MIDDLESEX
NORTHAMPTON NORTHUMBERLAND
IN NORTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA
CAROLINE
IN SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA
BRUNSWICK CITY OF HOPEWELL CITY OF PETERSBURG
DINWIDDIE LUNENBURG MECKLENBURG
NOTTOWAY PRINCE GEORGE
IN SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA
ACCOMACK CITY OF CHESAPEAKE CITY OF EMPORIA
CITY OF FRANKLIN CITY OF HAMPTON CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS
CITY OF NORFOLK CITY OF POQUOSON CITY OF PORTSMOUTH
CITY OF SUFFOLK CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG GLOUCESTER GREENSVILLE
ISLE OF WIGHT JAMES CITY SOUTHAMPTON
SURRY SUSSEX YORK
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AHOSKIE, AMELIA COURTHOUSE, ANGOLA, ANTE, BACONS CASTLE, BARHAM, BARNETTS, BAVON, BEACH, BON AIR, BOOTH FORK, BOTTOMS BRIDGE, BOWERS HILL, BOYKINS, BRAYS FORK, BROWNS CORNER, BRUNSWICK, BRYANTOWN, BUFFORD CROSSROADS, BURRUSS CORNER, BUSCH GARDENS, CAMBRIDGE, CAPE CHARLES, CAPE COLONY, CARET, CEDAR FORK, CENTER CROSS, CENTERVILLE, CHAMPLAIN, CHASE CITY, CHESAPEAKE AIRPORT, CHESTER, CHESTERFIELD, CHINCOTEAGUE, CHIPPOKES STATE PARK, CHRISTENSONS CORNER, CHULA, CLANCIE, CLARESVILLE, CLARKSVILLE, COLONIAL BEACH, COLONIAL HEIGHTS, CORBIN, COURTLAND, COWIE CORNER, CREWE, CRISFIELD, CROAKER, CURRITUCK, DAWN, DEEP CREEK, DENARO, DRAGONVILLE, DUNBROOKE, DUNNSVILLE, DURAND, EAGLETOWN, EARLS, EDENHOUSE, EDENTON, EDGERTON, ELIZABETH CITY, EMPORIA,
EMPORIA AIRPORT, EMPORIA RESERVOIR, EWELL, EXMORE, FARMVILLE, FENTRESS, FIVE FORKS, FORT LEE, FRANKLIN, GARYSBURG, GASTON, GATESVILLE, GLEN ALLEN, GLOUCESTER POINT, GOOCHLAND, GREAT BRIDGE, GREEN PLAIN, GREENBACKVILLE, GREENBRIER, GRESSIT,
GROVE, GUINEA MILLS, GUM FORKS, GWALTNEY CORNER, HAMPTON,
HANCOCK, HAWK, HERTFORD, HOG ISLAND GAME RESERVE, HOPEWELL, HORNTOWN, HORSESHOE, HOWERTONS, HUNTERDALE, IVOR, JETERSVILLE, KENBRIDGE, KILMARNOCK, KING AND QUEEN COURT HOUSE, LAKE MONTICELLO, LANCASTER, LAWRENCEVILLE, LEWISETTA, LILLY, LITTLE PLYMOUTH, LOUISA, MACEDONIA, MANNBORO, MASCOT, MATTAPONI, MAVATON, MEADOWVILLE, MECHANICSVILLE, MERRY HILL, MIDLOTHIAN, MIDWAY, MINERAL, MOSELEY, MOUNT PLEASANT, MOUNTCASTLE, NEW CHURCH, NEW KENT AIRPORT, NEW POINT, NEW POINT COMFORT, NEWPORT NEWS, NORFOLK, OCEAN CITY, ONANCOCK, ORAPAX FARMS, PEARY, PETERSBURG, POOLESVILLE, POQUOSON, PORTSMOUTH, POWHATAN, PRINCESS ANNE, QUINTON, QUITSNA, RAINES TAVERN, REAMS, REEDS, RICH SQUARE, RICHMOND, ROXBURY, SAINT JOHNS, SALISBURY, SANDSTON, SCOTTS FORK, SHARON, SMITHFIELD, SOUTH HILL, STODDERT, SUFFOLK, TALLEYSVILLE, TRIPLET, URBANNA, VALENTINES, VALHALLA, VICTORIA, VIRGINIA BEACH, VULTARE, WAKEFIELD, WARSAW, WAVERLY, WAYSIDE, WEST POINT, WHITE PLAINS, WILLIAMSBURG, WINDSOR, AND YORKTOWN.
2/4/2026
ECSU will transition to Condition 1 Reduced Operations on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
In-person classes will resume as scheduled. Faculty who need to utilize hybrid instruction should notify their respective Department Chair and/or Dean as well as provide advance notification to students using email or CANVAS. Students should check with their instructors regarding class format.
With supervisor approval, non-essential employees who are not able to return to work can continue remote work.
Condition 1 Reduced Operations – The University remains open, but certain non-mandatory operations may be reduced due to limited staffing.
- Mandatory employees must report to or remain at work.
- All other employees have the option to report late, leave early, or not work at all; however, the employee is responsible for informing his/her supervisory chain in a timely manner of all such decisions.
- Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 1 event (see “Accounting for Time During Limited Operations or Closures” below), unless the supervisor authorized off site work arrangements or the Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay for any missed work time.
- Staff employees are reminded of the UNC System Adverse Weather Policy that took effect in September 2025. Attached you will find a copy for informational purposes.
All dining locations will be open normal hours.
To report power loss, water leaks, building flooding, non-life-threatening building damage, or downed trees, call 252-335-3266.
2/2/2026
ECSU will continue to operate under Condition 2 Suspended Operations through Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 11:59 pm. Classes are canceled, and non-essential employees will transition to remote work. Please check your ECSU email and www.ecsu.edu/ecsu-alert.php for updates.
2/1/2026
2 PM UPDATE:
ECSU will continue to operate under Condition 2 Suspended Operations through Monday, Feb. 2 at 11:59 pm. Classes are canceled, and non-essential employees will transition to remote work. Please check your ECSU email and www.ecsu.edu/ecsu-alert.php for updates.
Pasquotank-Camden-Western Currituck-Eastern Currituck- 5:46 AM EST Sun Feb 1 2026
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY… …WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED…
*WHAT…Little to no additional snow. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. Blowing Snow causing reduced visibilities.
*WHERE…Camden, Eastern Currituck, Pasquotank, and Western Currituck Counties.
* WHEN…Until noon EST today.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Strong winds could cause tree damage. Blowing Snow may cause reduced visibility, especially in open areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Slow down and use caution while traveling. Go to http://DriveNC.gov for road information
Dangerous weather & road conditions. Stay clear of round about area of ECSU. Avoid travel unless it’s an emergency. Conditions unsafe for driving. Shelter in place.
1/30/2026
Due to Winter Weather Advisory issued from National Weather Services, the University will move to Condition 2 Suspended Operations of its adverse weather plan effective Friday, Jan. 30 at 5:00 p.m. to Sunday, Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Condition 2 Suspended Operations – The University remains open on a very limited basis but has formally suspended all but mandatory operations due to minimal staffing levels. Employees designated or temporarily assigned as mandatory must report to work as directed; all other employees may not report to work or must leave the workplace when this status takes effect. Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 2 event unless the supervisor authorized off-site work arrangements or the Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay for any missed work time.
- Non-mandatory employees may not report to work or must leave the workplace when this status takes effect. Leave must be recorded under Condition 2 unless supervisor authorized off-site work agreements of Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay.
- Mandatory employees (whose presence has been designated mandatory to University operations during adverse weather or emergency events) are expected to report to work or remain on the job, and if deemed necessary by their supervisor, to work a differing schedule or shift than normally assigned.
- Staff employees are reminded of the UNC System Adverse Weather Policy that took effect in September 2025. Attached you will find a copy for informational purposes.
Dining Services will close the TLC and POD locations on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, regular hours will apply, and they will reopen on a date to be determined.
Viking Den will remain operational with adjusted hours.
Plan A – Power Not Affected
If power remains on, the Café will operate with limited staffing and a reduced menu.
Saturday
- Brunch: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Dinner: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Breakfast
- Shelf stable breakfast boxes will be available for Sunday morning pickup during Saturday’s meal service hours.
- Breakfast boxes include oatmeal or cereal, granola bars, whole fruit, juice, and water.
Sunday
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- (Delayed brunch hours; boxed meal option added)
- Dinner: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday and Monday breakfast Meal Pickup: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. personnel or students needing meals earlier for Sunday and Monday morning.
- Note: Aramark will not deliver meals.
Plan B – Power Outage
If the Café loses power, we currently have a three-day supply of boxed meals available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Breakfast: Same shelf stable items as listed above 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Lunch: Sandwich, chips, whole fruit, milk, water, and a cookie 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Dinner: Hot meal (prepared based on available resources) 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Dining Services will be operating with minimal staff. Essential staff have been housed in hotels to ensure continuous meal service throughout the weather event.
ECSU essential personnel will be included in meals at no cost.
Resources
The following is a listing of some of the pre-storm preparations to assist you in survival and recovery from the storm:
- Have a Ready Kit to include non-perishable foods, water for a minimum of three days, any prescription medications, and any important papers or records.
- Provide and share contact information with family members.
- Fully charged cell phone.
- Battery-operated radio.
To report power loss, water leaks, building flooding, non-life-threatening building damage, or downed trees, call 252-335-3266.
1/29/2026
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Winter Storm Watch issued January 29 at 2:38AM EST until February 1 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Wakefield VA
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 8 and 15 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 to 60 mph along the coast.
* WHERE…Portions of northeast North Carolina and eastern and southeast Virginia.
* WHEN…From late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
1/25/2026
Elizabeth City State University has not had any changes to operational conditions and will continue under Normal Operations into Monday, January 26, 2026.
The University will continue to closely monitor ongoing weather developments. Additional updates will be issued if conditions change or if operational adjustments become necessary.
Please remain attentive to communications shared through official University channels.
1/23/2026
Elizabeth City State University will be operating under normal conditions this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25.
University officials are closely monitoring reports from emergency management agencies, state officials, and National Weather Service and taking precautions to keep the campus community safe and well-informed. Please check your email throughout the weekend for further updates.
Issued By:
National Weather Service – Wakefield, VA
WHAT:
Very cold wind chills expected — values as low as 5°F above zero.
WHERE:
Bertie • Camden • Chowan • Eastern Currituck • Gates • Hertford • Northampton • Pasquotank • Perquimans • Western Currituck
WHEN:
8:00 PM Tonight – 10:00 AM Saturday
IMPACTS:
- Wind chills as low as 5°F can cause hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
- Increased risk to exposed skin and prolonged outdoor activity.
- Possible slick surfaces due to freezing temperatures.
⚠️ SAFETY GUIDELINES
Protect Yourself
- Dress in layers
- Wear a hat, gloves, and insulated outerwear
- Limit time outdoors
Protect Others
- Check on elderly family, neighbors, and friends
- Bring pets indoors
Heating Safety
- Use portable heaters properly
- Keep heaters 3 feet away from fabrics
- Do NOT use generators or grills indoors (carbon monoxide risk)
Stay Informed
Monitor ECSU email, RAVE ALERT, and the University website for operational updates.
2025 Adverse Weather Dates:
12/7/2025
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Elizabeth City area beginning at 2 p.m. to midnight on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.
University officials are closely monitoring reports from emergency management agencies, state officials, and National Weather Service and taking precautions to keep the campus community safe and well-informed.
A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when there is the potential for winter weather within 24 hours. An Advisory indicates a possibility of the occurrence of snow/sleet/ice, and in this instance, the area could see 1 to 2 inches of snow.
We remind everyone that weather conditions such as this can produce dangerous situations on roadways and sidewalks, and if conditions worsen, downed power lines and tree branches could occur. Be cautious of icy walkways and roadways and do not approach downed power lines.
There are no current changes to campus operations. However, if conditions change, look for announcements on www.ecsu.edu, ECSUALERT, and through other communications including email, text messages, ECSU Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Resources
The following is a listing of some of the pre-storm preparations to assist you in survival and recovery from the storm:
- Have a Ready Kit to include non-perishable foods, water for a minimum of three days, any prescription medications, and any important papers or records.
- Provide and share contact information with family members.
- Fully charged cell phone.
- Battery-operated radio.
· If students have any questions, contact their faculty member(s) directly. In the event of an emergency on campus, please call 9-1-1. In a non-emergency, contact ECSU Police at 252-335-3266.
3/5/2025
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officials are actively monitoring the upcoming severe weather that will impact Elizabeth City and surrounding areas. In response to anticipated conditions, ECSU will operate under Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) of the Adverse Weather Policy today, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, starting at noon (early release).
What Condition 1 Means:
Condition 1 is enacted when weather conditions have the potential to significantly disrupt local commuting, important campus services, or the efficient operation of campus buildings and grounds.
Employee Guidance:
- Essential Employees: Must report to work onsite unless otherwise directed by management.
- Non-Essential Employees: Should work remotely unless otherwise directed by management. Remote work requires prior supervisor approval.
- Leave Guidelines: Employees who are unable to work during this period must use the appropriate leave category, as outlined in the Adverse Weather Policy.
2/18/2025
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officials are actively monitoring the upcoming winter weather event expected to impact Elizabeth City and surrounding areas. In response to anticipated conditions, ECSU will operate under Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) of the Adverse Weather Policy from Wednesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
What Condition 1 Means:
Condition 1 is enacted when weather conditions have the potential to significantly disrupt local commuting, important campus services, or the efficient operation of campus buildings and grounds.
Employee Guidance:
- Essential Employees: Must report to work onsite unless otherwise directed by management.
- Non-Essential Employees: Should work remotely unless otherwise directed by management. Remote work requires prior supervisor approval.
- Leave Guidelines: Employees who are unable to work during this period must use the appropriate leave category, as outlined in the Adverse Weather Policy.
1/24/2025
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officials are closely monitoring the winter weather event that has impacted Elizabeth City and surrounding areas.
ECSU will operate under Condition 1 (reduced operations) of the Adverse Weather Policy for Friday, January 24, 2025. Condition 1 is appropriate when an event has significant potential to or is already negatively impacting local area commuting, important campus services, or the efficient functioning of campus buildings and grounds. Staff meetings will continue to be held. However, it is important to add Zoom or Microsoft Teams options as needed.
Essential Employees: Will be required to report to work onsite unless otherwise advised by management.
Non-Essential Employees: Will be required to report to work remotely unless otherwise advised by management.
Employees may also work remotely with the supervisor’s approval. For any work time missed, employees must use the appropriate leave category as stipulated in policy. For your convenience, we have provided a copy of the Adverse Weather Policy.
1/23/2025
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officials are closely monitoring the winter weather event that has impacted Elizabeth City and surrounding areas.
ECSU will operate under Condition 1 (reduced operations) of the Adverse Weather Policy for Thursday, January 23, 2025. Condition 1 is appropriate when an event has significant potential to or is already negatively impacting local area commuting, important campus services, or the efficient functioning of campus buildings and grounds. Staff meetings will continue to be held. However, it is important to add Zoom or Microsoft Teams options as needed.
Essential Employees: Will be required to report to work onsite unless otherwise advised by management
Non-Essential Employees: Will be required to report to work remotely unless otherwise advised by management.
Employees may also work remotely with the supervisor’s approval. For any work time missed, employees must use the appropriate leave category as stipulated in policy. For your convenience, we have provided a copy of the Adverse Weather Policy.
1/21/2025 - 1/22/2025
1/10/2025
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officials are closely monitoring the winter weather event expected to impact Elizabeth City and surrounding areas. Due to the inclement weather forecasts, ECSU will operate under Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) of the Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy on Friday, Jan. 10, beginning at 3:00 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11:59 p.m. As we monitor conditions in and around campus, this Condition 1 could be extended through Sunday, Jan. 12.
UNDER CONDITION 1:
“The University remains open, but certain non-mandatory operations may be reduced due to more limited staffing. Mandatory employees must report to or remain at work. All other employees have the option to report late, leave early, or not work at all; however, the employee is responsible for informing his/her supervisory chain in a timely manner of all such decisions. Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 1, unless the supervisor authorized off site work arrangements…”
EMPLOYEES
Department/unit leaders and supervisors are responsible for ensuring the operation of their specific areas and may designate employees as mandatory during this time. Mandatory employees must report to or remain at work. Employees may also work remotely with proper approval. For any work time missed, employees must use leave time per leave-keeping policies. During adverse weather and other emergency event conditions, employees should take reasonable precautions for personal safety.
STUDENTS
Due to inclement weather affecting many areas, travel conditions may be hazardous. Please use caution when returning to campus and return when it is safe for you to do so. Students who are unable to return to campus on Sunday should contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life on-call number at 252-334-0230 or via email at ecsuhousing@ecsu.edu. For students experiencing extenuating circumstances that may delay their return before Monday, Jan. 13, please contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@ecsu.edu.
CAMPUS OPERATIONS UPDATES
Wellness Center: Will close Friday, Jan. 10 at 3:00 p.m. and resume normal operations on Monday, Jan. 13.
Campus Dining: Campus Dining will operate beginning Sunday, Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
The university will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should campus operations change, or weather conditions worsen, updates will be sent via the Rave system, social media (Facebook, Instagram) and the ECSU website.
1/7/2025
Adverse Weather Condition 1: (Reduced Operations) is in effect on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 with a 3 hour delay.
Definitions
These condition levels may be declared for the entirety of a campus or for one or more specific buildings or operational units based on the scope, severity, and nature of the event.
- Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) Condition 1 is appropriate when an event has significant potential to or is already negatively impacting local area commuting, important campus services, or the efficient functioning of campus buildings and grounds. In this instance, it may be beneficial for the University to permit expanded flexibility for employees to report to work late, leave early, or not report at all, based on their own personal circumstances.
- Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) Condition 2 is appropriate when safety risks or logistical challenges are more severe and there is a substantial interest to have a relatively limited number of individuals travel to or remain at the university. In the event of severe weather events, University officials should consider the totality of factors including National Weather Service alerts and warnings, reported road conditions for major thoroughfares, law enforcement directives, the status of area mass transit, the status of campus utility systems, and executive orders from local government heads or the Governor. The Governor’s declaration of a “State of Emergency” or an advisory by the State Highway Patrol to avoid travel does not automatically necessitate suspended operations, but may be an important consideration in reaching a decision on the University’s operational status.
- Condition 3 (Closure) Condition 3 is limited to events that pose the most severe risks to health and safety or present the most difficult logistical challenges that will severely impede the efficient and effective functioning of the university. Examples include severe weather events which involve substantial numbers of downed trees and/or power lines or uncontrolled flooding over a substantial portion of the local commuting area, substantial and unusual accumulations of snow, ice, or water that risk building stability or safety, or a loss of critical utilities (power, heat, cooling, water, life safety systems). In the event of a loss of utilities, the expected duration of the loss and the feasibility of implementing alternate work sites or logistical arrangements may be a consideration as to whether to declare Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) or Condition 3 (Closure).