Archive for category: Crier

As the second consecutive weekend of winter weather approaches, Newport News is stepping up efforts to keep residents safe in the face of a forecasted storm. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures are expected to cause hazardous conditions, prompting the city to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact on the community.

Public Works crews have been treating roads with salt and de-icing materials, preparing for another round of icy conditions. Newport News’ Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the weather closely and will continue to provide updates on changing conditions.

Winter Weather Safety Tips

• Stay Informed: Stay connected through local news, the city’s website, or social media for real-time weather updates and important alerts.
• Travel Cautiously: If travel is necessary, be sure your vehicle is equipped with winter essentials such as snow tires, blankets, food, and a flashlight. Avoid non-essential travel whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Home: Keep emergency supplies like extra blankets, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and non-perishable food on hand in case of power outages.
• Check on Neighbors: Help elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance with snow removal or preparing for the cold.
• Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: If you encounter downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away and report them to authorities immediately.

Shelters and Resources

• The Four Oaks Day Service Center (7401 Warwick Blvd.) will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to provide warm shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• The PORT Winter Shelter, operated by LINK of Hampton Roads, offers overnight relief from the cold from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. The current PORT site is First Baptist Church Newport News (12716 Warwick Blvd.) and will remain in place through Tuesday, Jan. 14.
• Parks and Recreation facilities are closed on Saturday, Jan. 11.
• Libraries are closed on Saturday, Jan. 11.
• Recovery Operations Center (ROC) is closed on Saturday, Jan. 11, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 13 at 8 a.m.
• Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) is closed on Saturday, Jan. 11; however, the Reunite Center will be open from 10 a.m. – noon.

Stay Informed

•  Local news and weather updates
• The city’s website: www.nnva.gov
• 311 Customer Contact Center: 757-933-2311
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofNewportNews
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/CityofNN

Please remember: Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Travelers with destinations beyond Hampton Roads should continue to monitor conditions along their entire route, as forecasts may be more severe in different parts of the state.

Due to the threat of winter weather impacts on the region, motorists traveling into and around Hampton Roads should stay alert for potentially hazardous road conditions throughout this weekend and continuing into early next week. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District personnel stand ready to respond with needed materials and equipment to address possible road impacts.

Beginning the morning of Saturday, Jan. 4, crews will start pretreating the district’s interstates and state-maintained primary roads with work continuing until sunset and resuming on Sunday, Jan. 5, until complete. Drivers are urged to stay alert for slow-moving, mobile operations this weekend, giving extra space around any trucks or equipment they may encounter on the roads. Slower travel speeds are required to apply pretreatment onto the road with precision, and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.

Motorists are encouraged to travel as needed on Saturday, Jan. 4 and should monitor changing weather and road conditions throughout the duration of the inclement weather while being prepared to limit non-essential travel within the district and statewide, should roadway conditions warrant. The Hampton Roads region is predicted to see cold temperatures dipping below or at-freezing with rain, sleet, or snow possible in some areas.

While traveling, motorists should exercise caution, reduce speed and provide extra following distance to ensure safety. Travelers with destinations beyond Hampton Roads should monitor conditions along their entire route, as forecasts may be more severe in different parts of the state, particularly along the I-81 and I-95 corridors, as well as the Fredericksburg, Staunton, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.

Crews will work to clear and treat the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed. Continued treatment operations will include spreading of sand and salt, as needed, on icy patches or slick spots to improve traction.

VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary routes.

Winter weather preparations across the state are underway for interstates and state-maintained roads. District-specific travel alerts and storm information can be found at www.vdot.virginia.gov/news-events/news/.

If travel is unavoidable:

• Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov/ for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
• Give crews time and space to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
• Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.

Resources:

• Free 511 Virginia Tools — Get the latest traffic conditions before traveling by calling 511, or visiting 511.vdot.virginia.gov/ You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at Apple and Android app stores.
• 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) — Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
• Social — Follow on X at @VaDOTHR and @511statewideva for the latest traffic and road updates during a storm.

For more winter driving information, visit www.vdot.virginia.gov/travel-traffic/driver-safety/weather/.

Photo:  Example of a VDOT truck engaged in pretreatment activities in advance of expected potential for roadway impacts from ice and snow.

Our Public Works Department’s annual loose leaf collection program offers residents a simple way to dispose of raked leaves. The collected leaves are brought to the Recovery Operations Center, where they’re turned into mulch and sold by the city in the spring.

Collection Schedule:

•  Area 2: Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 <- Village Green is in Area 2
•  Area 3: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
•  Final Collection: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

Preparation Guidelines:

• Rake leaves to the edge of the curb, gutter, or drainage ditch (not in the street)
• Avoid mixing leaves with twigs or branches
• Do not cover water meters or utility boxes
• Ensure leaves are roadside by 7 a.m. on your Area’s specified date

Alternate Options: Leaves in clear plastic bags (33-gallon max, 30 bags per collection) are picked up year-round on regular bulk waste collection days.

For additional details and Area maps, please visit our Seasonal Leaf Collection page.