Due to staffing and truck shortages, Solid Waste was unable to complete this past week’s Thursday bulk route.
As a result, Thursday’s bulk collection (April 23) will instead take place on Monday, April 27.
Additionally, all regularly scheduled collections during the week of April 27 will be delayed by one day.
The City of Newport News will observe President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 16. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be impacted.
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 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 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).
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
Winter Weather Safety Tips
As the storm approaches, residents are reminded of the following safety precautions:
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:
There are three easy ways to report outages and track restoration times:
Please remember: Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
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:
Safety reminders:
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:
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 >>
The City of Newport News will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 19. Here’s a look at how city offices, facilities, and services will be impacted.
HRT Holiday Schedule
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, Jan. 19, most services (bus, light rail, Naval Station Norfolk Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing) will operate on a Saturday schedule. The ferry will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Transit center information booths and public access to all administrative facilities (ID badge, Lost & Found, etc.) will be closed. The Customer Service Call Center will be available from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information, please visit gohrt.com or call 757-222-6100.
As early as Jan. 10, contractor crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are scheduled to lift the long-term traffic shift and lane reduction on I-64 west near J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (exit 258) in Newport News. This marks the completion of the third and final phase of long-term traffic shifts for bridge rehabilitation at this location as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment. Following completion of this work, motorists will have access to all lanes of travel on this section of the I-64 west corridor.
In order to implement this lift, the I-64 west on-ramp from northbound J. Clyde Morris Boulevard will be temporarily closed overnight, starting as early as Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning, with a signed detour in place.
A similar long-term traffic shift and lane reduction remains in place on I-64 east at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard to facilitate ongoing bridge rehabilitation work. The eastbound shift is scheduled to be lifted by as early as February.
All work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.
Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs and drive distraction-free.
Before hitting the road, consider using VDOT’s free 511 Virginia traffic tools, or the free 511-integrated Waze GPS app, to check for the most up-to-date road and travel conditions. VDOT’s 511Virginia website and mobile app offer information about construction, traffic, incidents, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather-related impacts and more.
Hampton Roads Express Lanes Newport News Segment
This work is part of the HREL Newport News Segment Project that spans approximately 11.5 miles on I-64, starting just east of LaSalle Avenue (exit 265) in Hampton and ending 1.2 miles west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News. For 10.5 miles of the segment, from just west of Jefferson Avenue (exit 255) to I-664 (exit 264), the existing HOV lane in each direction will be converted into an Express Lane, alongside the three general purpose lanes. For the last 1 mile of the segment between I-664 and LaSalle Avenue, one general purpose lane will be converted into an Express Lane in each direction, alongside two general purpose lanes.
The HREL Newport News Segment will ultimately become a part of an overall continuous 45-mile high-occupancy toll Express Lanes network on I-64, from west of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News to the I-264/I-664 Bowers Hill interchange in Chesapeake. As traffic demand continues to increase in the region, incorporating the Express Lanes dynamic tolling model, together with other interstate improvements, provides an additional approach to managing congestion in the long term and providing more travel choices and a reliable travel network for Hampton Roads motorists. For more information on the Hampton Roads Express Lanes projects and to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts and to sign up to receive project updates, visit 64expresslanes.org.
The HREL website now features an interactive map to help motorists stay informed about long-term traffic impacts across all HREL projects. The map displays current long-term lane and ramp closures along the HREL corridor, offering a user-friendly way to view potential travel impacts and focus on locations most relevant to each trip. Whether planning a daily commute or keeping up with project progress, the map can help motorists navigate I-64 with greater awareness. To explore the map, visit VDOT’s Long-Term Traffic Impacts page.
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has announced service adjustments in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Riders are encouraged to review the information below and plan their trips accordingly.
Christmas Holiday Service
On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, most HRT services, including bus, light rail, ferry, Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing, will operate on a regular schedule. However, Routes 403, 405, 415, 430, 966, 967, and 972 will not operate. Specialized trips (Routes 414, 921, 961, and 964) will run but will not serve the Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipyard. Administrative facilities, transit center information booths, and the Customer Service Call Center will be closed
On Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, most bus routes will operate on a Sunday schedule, with some routes ending earlier than usual. Route 960 will not operate. Light rail, Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing services will also follow a Sunday schedule. Administrative facilities, transit center information booths, and the Customer Service Call Center will remain closed.
New Year’s Holiday Service
On New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31, bus, light rail, Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing services will operate on a regular schedule. Transit center information booths will follow their normal schedules, and the Customer Service Call Center will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, most bus routes will operate on a Sunday schedule, with some routes ending earlier. Light rail, Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing services will also operate on a Sunday schedule. Administrative facilities, transit center information booths, and the Customer Service Call Center will be closed
Shipyard-Related Route Impacts
Due to the Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipyard holiday closure, Routes 403, 405, 415, 430, 966, 967, and 972 will not operate from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 4. All affected routes will resume normal service on Monday, Jan. 5.
For route-specific details and the most up-to-date information, riders should visit GoHRT.com before traveling.
As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, several city offices and services will be closed or operate on adjusted schedules. Here’s what you need to know:
City Offices: City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24; Thursday, Dec. 25; Friday, Dec. 26; and Thursday, Jan 1.
Libraries: All Newport News libraries will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24, Thursday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Newport News Libraries will close at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Recreation Centers: All recreation centers will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Friday, Dec. 26. Recreation centers will close at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, and will resume regular operating hours on Friday, Jan. 2.
Garbage, Recycling, and Bulk Waste Collections: There will be no collections on Thursday, Dec. 25. Thursday’s collections will be rescheduled to Friday, Dec. 26. There will be no holiday collection delay on Wednesday, Dec. 24. There will also be no delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.
There will be no collections on Thursday, Jan. 1. Thursday’s collections will be rescheduled to Friday. There will also be no delay for 18-gallon, Black Bin recyclers.
Recovery Operations Center: Closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 27.
The Recovery Operations Center will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1.
Adoption Center and Reunite Lobby: The Adoption Lobby will operate on a modified schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and will reopen on Friday, Dec. 26, at 12 p.m. The Adoption Lobby will also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1
The Reunite Lobby will operate on a limited schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Thursday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Reunite Lobby will resume regular hours on Friday, Dec. 26, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Reunite Lobby will close early at 4 p.m., and on Thursday, Jan. 1, it will operate on a limited schedule from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The City of Newport News invites residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Center. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature an exciting evening of entertainment, headlined by a spectacular performance by multi-platinum artist Mario.
Guests will enjoy the return of Timber, the beloved 50-foot talking tree, along with live entertainment, Wacky Chadd, children’s crafts in the Kids Zone, carnival games, interactive art, holiday gift vendors, and much more. A variety of food truck vendors will be on-site.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., with a full lineup of performances leading up to Mario taking the stage:
Stage Schedule
Admission and parking are free. Pets are prohibited. Only certified service animals are allowed.
Free Parking Garages
A free shuttle service will also be available from Canon Headquarters, located at 12000 Canon Blvd., to the event. Shuttles will run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. A shuttle and site map is available at www.nnparksandrec.org.
Rideshare and vehicle drop-off will be located at the on-street parking along Lakefront Commons.
Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, and allow plenty of time for parking and walking to the event. With thousands of attendees expected, Newport News asks all visitors to be patient and plan ahead to allow for a smooth, safe experience for everyone.
Newport News is offering fast, reliable text alerts to help keep attendees informed throughout the NLightN Tree Lighting. This free notification service provides timely information only if weather or safety conditions affect the event.
To sign up, attendees can text NLIGHTN to 888777. This keyword is used exclusively for the NLightN Tree Lighting. The service delivers only critical information and will not send general event reminders or promotional messages. By enrolling, attendees gain quick access to accurate updates, improving safety and awareness for themselves, their families, and the community during this high-attendance nighttime event.
The City of Newport News encourages families, neighbors, and visitors to gather for an evening of holiday cheer, live entertainment, and a memorable performance from Mario at this signature annual event.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of many holiday offerings from Newport News this year. To view the full lineup, visit https://nnparksandrec.org/events/.
During the recent federal furloughs, Newport News Waterworks (NNWW) temporarily paused service disconnections to support customers who were unexpectedly impacted. With the federal government now fully reopened, NNWW will resume service disconnections for non-payment, beginning Monday, Dec. 1. This will include water service disconnections for both NNWW and Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD).
If customers have a past-due balance, they are encouraged to make a payment or contact the NNWW as soon as possible to discuss their options. They can review the NNWW’s website for available financial assistance options.
NNWW has partnered with PromisePay to offer easy, flexible payment plans. Please visit their website or call PromisePay at 757-703-4005 to sign up.
Customers can make payments using any of the following methods:
NNWW thanks its customers for their cooperation.
Every year, as autumn settles over Newport News, neighborhoods transform into a patchwork of gold, amber, and deep red. It’s a beautiful season — and also one of the busiest for the City’s Public Works Street Maintenance Division. When the leaves begin to fall, an extraordinary citywide operation starts behind the scenes: loose-leaf collection.
This annual service is more than a convenience. It’s a coordinated effort that protects storm drains, keeps roads safe, and preserves the natural beauty of our communities. Here’s how the process works — and how residents can help keep it running smoothly.
A Citywide Rhythm
Newport News is divided into three major leaf-collection areas. Each one has a scheduled start date during the fall and winter months, allowing crews to work efficiently through thousands of households.
Area 2 begins in early December <- Village Green is in Area 2
Area 3 follows just before the New Year
Area 1 starts in late January
A final citywide sweep takes place in February
The schedule is carefully planned to ensure that every neighborhood receives one full collection round before the season ends.
How the Crews Work
Once a zone opens, teams move methodically through each street using specialized vacuum trucks designed to scoop up large piles of loose leaves. The trucks work best when piles are neatly placed and free of debris — that’s why resident preparation is crucial to the system.
Crews rely on clear curbs and good visibility. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the roadway, not to the street or drainage ditch. When leaves block gutters or storm drains, water backs up. It can cause localized flooding — especially during the winter rain season. Keeping the piles out of the street helps keep everyone safer.
Why Preparation Matters
To keep everything running smoothly, residents are asked to have their leaves at the curb line by 7 a.m. on the first day their area’s collection begins. Because crews make one pass through each neighborhood, timing is everything.
A Few Small Steps From Residents Go a Long Way:
Keep leaves close to the road, but not in the street or ditch
Remove sticks, branches, and other debris — mixed piles cannot be collected
Avoid covering water meters and utility boxes
Wait until the week before your collection date to rake leaves out to the curb to prevent drifting
These simple actions help crews work faster, reduce equipment damage, and maintain proper drainage throughout the season.
Options for Bagged Leaves
For those who prefer to bag their leaves, another option is available year-round during regular bulk pickup. Leaves must be placed in clear plastic bags and limited to 30 per collection. This service helps households that accumulate leaves earlier or later than the loose-leaf schedule.
A Shared Effort, A Cleaner City
Loose-leaf collection is one of Newport News’ most anticipated seasonal services, and it works best when the community comes together. Residents prepare their yards; Public Works handles the heavy lifting. The result: cleaner streets, healthier storm drains, and neighborhoods that look their best heading into winter.
This fall, as the leaves begin to drop, a little preparation at home helps keep the entire city moving. And with a few simple steps, we can all do our part to protect the place we call home.
For more information, go to nnva.gov/857/Seasonal-Leaf-Collection or call our 311 team at 757-933-2311.