As areas around the Northeast region prepared for the massive blizzard that began Monday night, Brandeis University staff and faculty prepared for the effects the inclement weather would have on campus.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency Monday morning, also implementing a travel ban.

According to the Boston Globe, Baker told the audience at a news conference at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency bunker in Framingham that the storm was expected to be “a historic Top 5 snowstorm.”

“Whiteout conditions and treacherous roads will make driving anywhere extremely dangerous starting around midnight tonight and extending through most of Tuesday,” Baker said at the conference, according to the Globe. “I can’t stress this part enough. Please stay off the roads.”

Meanwhile, WCVB reported that National Grid warned that an estimated one-third of its 1.2 million customers in the region could lose power. The article also noted that electric companies planned to bring in extra crews ahead of the storm. 

At the University, many departments made preparations to maintain student safety and wellbeing during the storm.

In an email sent to students today via the severe weather alert service, the University announced that Brandeis will be closed from 5 p.m. today and will remain closed on Tuesday. 

The email noted that the closure would impact several services and activities, also stating that a number of staff members from various departments would remain on campus to maintain safety and “reasonable levels of operations.”

“We encourage everyone to be respectful and supportive of these team members who will be working consecutive shifts, many overnight, to support our students,” the email said.

As state and city leaders such as Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh urged citizens to stay at home, University staff members echoed the message.

“Students should stay safe while walking around on campus and stay off roadways where snow removal efforts are in initiation,” Department of Public Safety Director Edward Callahan said in an email to the Justice, noting that students should limit outings. 

According to the Boston Globe, the storm is expected to continue into Wednesday morning. The University’s severe weather email stated that any future weather-related updates or changes to operations and scheduled events will be posted on the Brandeis University homepage.