Harvard and MIT, both located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, have rigorous policies regarding emergency closures, typically remaining open unless weather conditions are sufficiently hazardous to suspend normal academic and administrative operations. Decisions for Harvard are made by the Executive Vice President and the University's Emergency Management team, while MIT similarly suspends operations based on criteria such as extreme weather or power failure. For Monday, February 23, 2026, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the region, effective from February 22 through the morning of February 24. Forecasts indicate a major nor'easter may bring 12 to 24 inches of heavy snow, high winds, and coastal flooding to the Boston area, with local meteorologists characterizing it as a potentially historic event. Public school districts in the area have already begun announcing closures in anticipation of the storm's impact on travel and power.