BOSTON, MA — In the wake of a historic February nor’easter that paralyzed the Greater Boston area with upwards of two feet of snow, Boston University (BU) has announced that all campuses will remain closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
The decision to extend the closure of the Charles River, Fenway, and Medical campuses comes as the region struggles to dig out from a blizzard that delivered hurricane-force wind gusts and record-breaking snowfall rates. University officials cited the need for continued snow removal and the safety of the BU community as primary factors for the second consecutive day of canceled classes.
Key Impacts on Campus Operations
While the university intends to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Tuesday will see a significant suspension of services:
- Classes & Work: All in-person and virtual classes are canceled. Staff, except for those deemed “on-campus essential,” are not expected to work.+1
- Dining Services: Residential dining halls will remain open to serve students living on campus, though hours may be modified. Retail operations in the George Sherman Union (GSU), City Convenience, and the BU Bookstore will be closed.+1
- Libraries & Facilities: All University Libraries and fitness centers (including FitRec) will remain closed. The GSU building will remain accessible for students seeking a common space, despite retail closures.
- Transportation: The BU Shuttle (BUS) remains suspended. Travel is further complicated by MBTA service reductions and city-wide parking bans.+1
“Safety is Paramount”
The blizzard of 2026 has already secured its place in the record books, with some areas of Massachusetts reporting over 30 inches of snow. At the height of the storm, snowfall rates reached nearly four inches per hour in parts of the state, accompanied by wind gusts up to 75 mph.
“A historic blizzard such as this made a second day of closure necessary to ensure the safety of the BU Community,” said Derek Howe, BU’s Senior Vice President for Operations. “Our essential employee workforce did everything, and more, in their power to support all three campuses.”
University Provost Gloria Waters acknowledged the academic disruption, noting that while canceling two days of classes mid-semester is challenging, the safety of faculty and commuting students remains the university’s top priority.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts for Tuesday indicate sunny but cold conditions, providing a crucial window for facilities crews to clear the “mountainous” snowbanks currently blocking Harry Agganis Way and Commonwealth Avenue.
Current Status Summary: | Date | Campus Status | Expected Operations | | :— | :— | :— | | Mon, Feb 23 | CLOSED | Blizzard Conditions | | Tue, Feb 24 | CLOSED | Cleanup & Recovery | | Wed, Feb 25 | OPEN | Regular Schedule (Anticipated) |
Students and staff are encouraged to monitor their email for BU Alerts and check the BU Today website for the latest updates on Wednesday’s reopening.
