Due to the forecast for significant severe weather on Monday, March 16, Randolph-Macon will shift to virtual operations, starting at 11:30 a.m. Morning classes will be held in person. 

Weather Impacts 

Severe weather is expected throughout the day, with the likelihood of very severe storms increasing around noon. According to the latest NWS weather models, the predicted risk of tornadoes to the Ashland area is currently 15–29%, and the chance of damaging winds exceeds 60% (>70 mph). The most significant tornado threat is from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, though some isolated tornadoes may still occur before and after these times.

The NWS has issued a current tornado watch for most of Virginia, including Hanover County, which means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather, including tornadoes.  Be alert for rapidly changing conditions and prepared to seek shelter quickly. Storms will be fast moving so we will have to send alerts with very little advance warning. Flooding should not be a threat due to the speed of these storms, but wind gusts will be a factor and could down trees and power lines.

Precautions

We encourage all students, faculty, and staff who will need to travel during the day to plan their commutes carefully with consideration for the timing of the storm, and members of our community should remain close to a sturdy building and be prepared to seek shelter quickly in an interior hallway away from windows and doors, and on the lowest floor possible, if several weather develops. Be alert to changes in the forecast, and the time needed to get to your destination. If it is not possible to travel safely during the day, please consider remaining on campus, where you can find safe locations to shelter in campus buildings. 

If we send alerts, everyone should be prepared to seek shelter inside a sturdy structure and find the lowest floor in the center of that building. Stay away from windows and doors during any severe weather event. If you are not signed up for text alerts, please do so. 

Stay tuned as we watch the development of this system, and be safe!

Updated: March 16, 2026 11:09 a.m.