Students and staff at Mississippi State University-Meridian will learn and work remotely Tuesday after the university announced a move to remote operations due to the threat of potential winter weather.

In a news release, the university said students and staff at all MSU locations are encouraged to use caution when traveling in adverse conditions.

“Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling and to allow extra time,” MSU officials said in a news release. “The university asks that each person exercise good judgment in making travel and personal safety decisions, with special precaution toward bridges, stairs and sidewalks if icy conditions should occur.”

MSU students in the university’s gulf coast engineering programs will also move to online learning Tuesday as facilities are housed at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which will be closed because of the weather. All MGCCC facilities will be closed with the exception of the cafeteria and residence halls, MSU said.

The closures come as several other area schools also announced closures earlier Monday. Meridian Community College and East Central Community College both canceled classes and activities ahead of the forecasted storm. Although the main threat of heavy winter precipitation is in South Mississippi along the Highway 84 corridor, the Meridian and Lauderdale County area is under a winter storm watch with one to two inches of snow possible.

A decision whether or not to hold in-person learning on Wednesday will be made later.