Editor's note: This article was updated at 9:30 a.m., March 20.

With the two spring storm systems expected to affect Delaware on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 20-21, University of Delaware officials are closely monitoring the weather.

The National Weather Services has issued a Storm Warning for the area from 6 p.m., Tuesday though 2 a.m., Thursday.

Current predictions call for rain starting Tuesday morning, with a chance of mixed precipitation throughout the day. There may be light accumulation on grassy surfaces. Minimal impact is expected for the evening commute.

On Wednesday, mixed precipitation will change over to all snow at approximately 4 or 5 a.m., and snow is expected throughout the day, heavy at times. Snow should taper off late Wednesday evening. Current predictions call for 8-12 inches in New Castle County, 6-8 inches in Kent County and 4-6 inches in Sussex County.

Travel may be difficult on Wednesday. The combination of heavy wet snow and gusty northeast winds could lead to power outages from downed branches and power lines.

When weather threatens UD operations, there are a number of resources to learn about any late openings, early closings or cancellations. Please note that the UD Alert system will not typically be used for weather-related closings unless immediate action is required. UD Alert is an emergency notification tool activated only during major emergencies or situations where there is an imminent danger to the safety and welfare of the University community.  

UD Policy

Members of the University community are reminded that safety is UD's highest priority. Students and employees should not put themselves at risk. Students who are unable to get to campus because of the weather should contact their professors. Employees who expect difficulty traveling should contact their supervisors.  

University Policies include a section dealing with personal safety considerations for faculty and students. Please note the policy, which is reprinted here:

Faculty and students are not expected to take unnecessary risks to meet their teaching and learning obligations due to inclement weather. When classes have not been canceled, it is a matter of personal judgment whether traveling to campus is hazardous. Faculty should notify their departmental offices when weather precludes them from meeting their teaching obligations; similarly, students should notify their professors when inclement weather precludes them from class attendance. In such cases, students should be allowed to make up missed class time and, whenever possible, canceled classes should be rescheduled.