Ct School Closings: UConn Cancels Evening Classes as Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activates

Connecticut activated its Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5 p. m. and the University of Connecticut canceled evening in-person classes at four campuses, driving a wave of ct school closings as a forecast wintry mix — including sleet and freezing rain — threatened the northern half of the state.

Ct School Closings: Which Campuses and Class Times Are Affected

The university canceled all in-person classes that start after 6 p. m. at the Storrs, Hartford, Waterbury and UConn Law campuses for the affected evening. That cancellation applies to classes scheduled for the specified time on Thursday, March 5, 2026; it does not apply to the Avery Point, Stamford or UConn Health campuses. Classes at all other regional campuses were set to be held as scheduled.

Instructors retain discretion over online and hybrid sessions. Classes that begin before 5 p. m. at the four affected campuses will meet as planned provided they conclude by 6 p. m. Non-essential employees on-site at those campuses were instructed to leave at 6 p. m. and either telecommute or flex their schedules to complete the day; essential and Level 1 employees were expected to report to work as usual.

Weather Threat, State Response and Public-Safety Measures

The Severe Cold Weather Protocol was activated to protect vulnerable residents from life-threatening exposure to the elements while the system is in effect. The protocol sets up coordination between state agencies, municipalities, the 2-1-1 network and the statewide shelter network so that anyone in need can receive shelter and, if necessary, transportation to a warming location. Individuals in need of a warming shelter were advised to call 2-1-1 for assistance.

A meteorologist named in the briefing highlighted that a winter weather advisory was posted for counties in the northern half of the state, with freezing rain becoming a particular concern as colder air moved southward. Inland areas, especially in northwestern and northeastern hill regions, were identified as having the greatest risk for a glaze or more of ice to form on untreated surfaces.

A local station designated a heightened weather-alert day for the period and planned adjustments to early morning coverage beginning at 4 a. m. on Friday to track changing conditions and impacts on travel and public services.

Practical Timeline and What Comes Next

• Severe Cold Weather Protocol in effect: began at 5 p. m. and set to remain until noon the following day.
• UConn evening cancellations: all in-person classes starting after 6 p. m. at Storrs, Hartford, Waterbury and UConn Law were canceled for the specified evening.
• Daytime classes: sessions beginning before 5 p. m. at the four affected campuses will meet if they conclude by 6 p. m.
• Employee guidance: non-essential staff on-site at affected campuses were to leave at 6 p. m.; essential and Level 1 staff to report as usual.

These measures explain the immediate ct school closings and reflect the state's efforts to prioritize shelter and safety for residents while the wintry mix moves through. Details and local operational adjustments were expected to evolve with the forecast, and responsible agencies planned to remain coordinated through the protocol window.

Recent activity underscores that the protocol is specifically focused on protecting people at risk outdoors and enabling rapid connection to shelter resources while transportation options are arranged. Residents were advised to monitor official channels for further updates on service changes as conditions develop.