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Posted Jan. 21 at 7:02 p.m.

UVA Health Colleagues,

University Medical Center is preparing for the potential of significant snowfall this weekend, with some forecasts calling for 12-18 inches of accumulation. While the National Weather Service will issue its official Saturday forecast tomorrow, we are taking proactive steps now to ensure operational readiness. Additional details are provided below.

• Ambulatory Schedules. In response to the forecast, most ambulatory clinics will be closed Monday, Jan. 26. Plans for Tuesday will be decided on Sunday. For details on closures and weekend operations, please visit our Operations Status Board.
• Discharge Guidance. When it is safe and clinically appropriate, early discharges are strongly encouraged to help maintain capacity and ensure timely patient transportation.
• Parking Guidance. As we head closer to the weekend, please refrain from parking on the upper levels of the parking garages if you are anticipating to remain parked into the weekend. This will allow the upper spaces to be plowed.
• Accommodations. To support team members during this event, accommodations at University Hospital are being arranged for this weekend (check-in times to be confirmed and communicated). Team members who anticipate needing accommodations are encouraged to bring an inflatable mattress, pillows, and toiletries, if available. This will help ensure adequate resources for everyone, as demand is expected to be higher than usual.
• Lodging Options. If you prefer to directly coordinate lodging outside of the University Medical Center, hotels may be available with additional lodging options. Please note that individuals are responsible for all hotel costs. When booking, please inform the hotel that you are with UVA Health. For details on hotels, visit our page on KnowledgeLink.

Awareness

• During this event, please monitor email and our Operations Status Board.
• Monitor weather forecasts via the National Weather Service, local media, and Virginia511 (for traffic and road conditions). 
• To receive direct text notifications from P&T/UTS about parking updates, UTS route changes, and alerts, text Health to 434-939-4307.
• Consider an emergency alert app, like UVA Ready, FEMA, or the Red Cross. 
• Monitor your phone as updated information will be shared via UVA Alerts. To confirm your enrollment in UVA Alerts, click here.   

Thank you for your efforts to maintain patient care within our University Medical Center and Ambulatory environments. Additional information will be communicated, as needed.

Emergency Management

Winter Weather Alert #1: Be Aware of Potential Inclement Weather

Posted Jan. 21 at 11:33 a.m.

UVA Health Colleagues,

At this time, we are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend, as snow is expected to begin Saturday night and continue into Sunday. While forecasts currently vary on potential snowfall amounts across UVA Health’s service areas, we will have greater clarity as we get closer to the weekend. Our teams are actively preparing, and we will share updates as needed. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay aware of weather conditions and make any routine preparations. Additional guidance is provided below. 

Operations Updates

• While we recognize the variation of predictions across multiple platforms/services, our University Medical Center makes weather-related decisions based on data from the National Weather Service.
• We will provide email updates with details on operational response and accommodations as the forecast becomes clearer.
• We will also provide real-time updates during this event on uvahealth.com/status.  

Awareness

• Monitor weather forecasts via the National Weather Service, local media, and Virginia511 (for traffic and road conditions). 
• Consider an emergency alert app, like UVA Ready, FEMA or the Red Cross. 
• Monitor your phone as updated information may be shared via UVA Alerts. To confirm your enrollment in UVA Alerts, click here.   

Preparedness

• Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan. 
• Pet owners should have plans to care for their animals. 
• Put together a basic disaster supplies kit, or “Go-Kit” if you do not already have one. During severe weather, you may need to arrive early to work or be held over.  

Thank you for all you do to care for our patients and one another, and please take care as you make preparations for the weekend. We appreciate your attention and will share updates as conditions evolve.

Emergency Management