Archive for category: Crier

A Message from Village Green

We’re expecting significant bad weather this weekend. Hopefully how much snow/ice we get and how bad the roads, etc are is minimized, however, if that is not the case, please take care and review the following below. Also, a reminder we have folks in the neighborhood who can help those who need services such as driveways and sidewalks shoveled.

As always, please be safe this weekend and look out for your neighbors!

A Message from Virginia

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the entire Commonwealth of Virginia this weekend. According to the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the storm will start as snow across the state, arriving in the western part of Virginia Saturday afternoon, progressing eastward into late Saturday evening. Snow rates pick up overnight Saturday into Sunday, with sleet and freezing rain pushing in from the south after midnight. The storm will continue through the day on Sunday, even lingering into Monday morning for areas east of I-95. An increase in sleet/freezing rain protentional, especially for areas south of I-64, and below freezing temperatures in the days following the storm, will further complicate the impact on Virginia.

Governor Spanberger has declared a state of emergency in advance of this winter storm. My office has also been in contact with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). VDEM strongly encourages Virginians to avoid travel this weekend and to stay off the roads.

For tips on how best to prepare for this storm and others, please visit Ready.gov. I also encourage you to track the storm by visiting the National Weather Service (NWS) at www.weather.gov. You can also follow updates on the storm on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) by following @NOAA and @NWS. Also, be sure to check local weather statements via NWS for specific details for your County Warning Area (CWA) on weather conditions, evacuation decisions made by local officials, and other precautions necessary to protect life and property.

For the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions, please use the statements from the National Weather Service field office in Wakefield, Virginia (click on current hazards). You can also follow the NWS’ Wakefield Field Office on X at @NWSWakefieldVA. For those that don’t use X, there is also the FEMA mobile app that you can download as well.

Below is the emergency contact information for localities in the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and Dominion Power. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911 first.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Website: https://www.vaemergency.gov/

City of Newport News
Website: https://www.nnva.gov/414/Emergency-Management

Dominion (Power)
If you need to report a power outage or downed power lines, please call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). Dominion has additional information on how to report and prepare for an outage on their website at: https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency

A Message from VDOT

A long-duration winter storm is forecast to impact Hampton Roads beginning Saturday evening and continuing into early next week, creating hazardous travel conditions across the region and throughout the rest of the state. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District continues to actively prepare for the storm, with crews, equipment and materials at the ready to respond as conditions warrant. Motorists should avoid all nonessential travel during and after the storm until conditions improve.

Current forecasts indicate snow is expected to begin Saturday evening, with temperatures remaining below freezing. Travel conditions are expected to worsen Sunday morning as snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain across the region, with the most significant icing impacts forecast for the western and northern portions of Hampton Roads. This combination of winter precipitation and significant icing is expected to create hazardous driving conditions and make travel unsafe during and for a period following the storm. Ice accumulation combined with gusty winds Sunday and into early next week may result in downed trees and debris.

VDOT’s crews are continuing pretreatment operations today on state-maintained roadways ahead of the storm. Once snowfall accumulation begins Saturday evening, crews will begin plowing operations, prioritizing the highest-volume routes first, including interstates, county primary roads and some major secondary routes. As the storm transitions to sleet and freezing rain on Sunday, crews will continue treating roadways, including spreading salt and abrasives to assist with melting and improve traction.

Hazardous travel conditions may continue after precipitation ends as temperatures drop and wet roadways refreeze, extending impacts into early next week. While crews will be working around the clock to address roadway conditions, significant icing is forecast and can result in extremely hazardous travel conditions. The safest place to be during this winter storm is inside and off the roadways.

Due to forecasted high winds, snow and significant icing, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service may experience service suspensions during the storm.

This winter storm is expected to impact much of Virginia, and motorists should check road conditions along their entire route before traveling, including areas outside Hampton Roads.

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

Additional Resources:

• 511 Virginia Traffic Tools: Before traveling, check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

• VDOT Customer Service Center: For questions or to report hazardous road conditions on state-maintained roadways, motorists can contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

A Message from Newport News

Newport News Prepares For Winter Storm Fern

Newport News, VA — Newport News City Manager Alan K. Archer has declared a state of emergency for the City of Newport News.

Storm preparations are underway throughout the city. Public Works crews have been treating roads with salt and de-icing materials. The Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the weather closely and will continue to provide updates as the storm front moves through the area.

Shelter and Resources for Those in Need

• The Four Oaks Day Service Center (7401 Warwick Blvd.) will remain open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide a warming shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Females, families with children, and transgender citizens experiencing homelessness will have the option of sheltering overnight at Four Oaks Day Service Center from 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, through Monday, Jan. 26.
• An additional option for overnight shelter for males experiencing homelessness is the PORT Winter Shelter, operated by LINK of Hampton Roads, which opens at 5:30 p.m. daily. The current PORT site is All Generations Church (28 Harpersville Rd). During this winter event, patrons will be allowed to stay at the PORT location until Monday.
• All libraries and Parks and Recreation facilities will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Libraries and Community Centers are open as warming centers during business hours. Libraries and Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Sunday.
• Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) Adoption Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and the Reunite Center will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PRAS will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
• Recovery Operations Center (ROC) will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Mulch and compost sales are suspended at this time.

Winter Weather Safety Tips

As the storm approaches, residents are reminded of the following safety precautions:

1. Stay Informed: Stay connected through local news, the city’s website, or social media for real-time weather updates and important alerts.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Check on Neighbors: Help elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance with snow removal or preparing for the cold.
5. Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: If you encounter downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away and report them to authorities immediately.

City Encourages Safety and Preparedness

“City officials are urging residents to prioritize safety as unpredictable conditions persist throughout the storm. ‘We encourage everyone to stay off the roads when possible and take extra precautions to ensure safety during this winter weather event,’ said City Manager Archer.”

Residents can stay informed and reach out to the city for updates through various channels:

• Local news and weather updates
• The city’s website: www.nnva.gov
• 311 Customer Contact Center: 757-933-2311
• Newport News Police Department Non-Emergency Number: 757-247-2500
• Animal Control: 757-595-PETS (7387)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofNewportNews
• Nextdoor: City of Newport News on Nextdoor
• Instagram: @CityofNN
• (X) Twitter: www.x.com/CityofNN

There are three easy ways to report outages and track restoration times:

• Dominion Energy’s free mobile app, available on iPhone and Google
• Dominion Energy website
• Call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)

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

A Message from the Newport News Fire Department

A Message from Dominion Energy

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow are expected this weekend and could linger for several days which may result in hazardous conditions and power outages in your community.

In addition to road hazards and possible black ice, the combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain could result in falling limbs and trees and possible damage to power lines.

If your power goes out, report it using the Dominion Energy app or online at DominionEnergy.com. You can also check for updates and view the outage map.

How to prepare: 

• Keep your mobile phone and other devices fully charged.
• Download the Dominion Energy app for the easiest, most secure way to report and monitor the status of your outage or outages in your area.
• Create or restock emergency kits. The National Weather Service recommends creating a basic emergency kit before a storm hits, including water, flashlights, batteries, medicine and non-perishable foods to last several days. Learn more about what to include in your kit.

Safety reminders: 

• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume they are energized and dangerous. Report them immediately by calling 1-866-366-4357.
• If your power goes out, keep freezers and refrigerators closed as long as possible to preserve the food inside.
• Avoid black ice on roads, driveways and walkways if possible.

A Message from Virginia Natural Gas

The first major winter storm of 2026 is expected to hit  the Eastern United States – from the Midwest to the Southeast – with frigid temperatures, snow and ice. We’ll be onsite and in the field responding to potential disruptions and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

While you can rest easy knowing we’ve got an eye on your natural gas service, there’s plenty you can do at home to ensure your personal safety. Here are a few tips:

1. First and foremost – do you know where your natural gas meter is located? Check now and ensure it’s easily accessible and clear of any trash or debris that might slow down an emergency responder.
2. Likewise, know if any appliances vent outside. Some high-efficiency furnaces and power-vented water heaters do, so you want to be sure those vents are clear and open.
3. If you need to clear either of the two areas listed above, brush the snow or ice carefully! Never use a shovel – at most, use a hand or broom. Anything stronger could damage your equipment. And never attempt to break off ice using a hammer.
4. Look up. Remove hanging icicles to prevent dripping water from refreezing on your meter or vent.
5. Don’t make things worse. In a rush, you might unknowingly push ice or snow against your natural gas equipment. Be mindful where you are shoveling and what you could be covering in the process.

Know that we’re here for during the storm and long after. If at any time you feel unsafe or suspect storm damage to your natural gas equipment, don’t hesitate to call 911 or 1.877.572.3342, our 24-hour emergency response line. Your safety is always our top priority.

Learn what to do before, during and after severe winter weather >>