Boston University will remain closed on Tuesday, suspending classes and operations on its Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses in the aftermath of a historic blizzard that paralyzed much of Greater Boston with upwards of two feet of snow.

University leaders, who said normal operations will resume on Wednesday, outlined a number of factors they considered in the decision to close for a second straight day. Among them were widespread service changes to the MBTA and Commuter Rail schedules, making public transit commuting difficult; the unavailability of BU Shuttle buses; travel bans issued by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey; scattered power outages in surrounding cities and towns; and many public school districts staying closed for another day.

“A historic blizzard such as this made a second day of closure necessary to ensure the safety of the BU community,” says 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. This decision was not made lightly, but will give everyone an additional day to attend to their homes and families during this event.”

University Provost Gloria Waters, the University’s chief academic officer, adds: “We realize that it is extremely challenging to have two days of classes canceled, particularly at this point in the semester; however, the safety of our faculty, staff and students who do not live on campus is paramount. Safety will always be our top priority, and we look forward to learning from these past few days to further prepare for future weather events.”

Under BU’s policy, the snow day means that both classes and virtual meetings are canceled and people are not expected to work except in instances where managers have deemed emergency exceptions are necessary or employees are considered essential. On-campus University essential employees must report as scheduled; essential services include, but are not limited to, University Police, Residential Safety, Residence Life, Dining Services, Student Health Services, Facilities Management & Operations, Environmental Health & Safety, Mail Services, and Network Services. Additional essential services on the Medical Campus include Public Safety, Emergency Patient Treatment, and Occupational & Environmental Medicine.

The Medical Campus includes the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) and its Patient Treatment Centers, and the School of Public Health. Medical, PA, and Graduate Medical Sciences students who are assigned to inpatient services or clinics are expected to be present, if possible. Students who are assigned to outpatient services, including GSDM students on externship, should check with their course directors or the policy at the clinical site.