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.

Cold, ice, and snow may be headed our way, so it’s essential you prepare. Below are some quick steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter.

• Have an emergency kit prepared with supplies such as flashlights and batteries in your home and car, blankets, food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, a three-day supply of water, prescription medicines, a battery-operated radio, battery-powered cell phone chargers, a snow shovel, etc. Learn more about creating a winter preparedness plan.
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics and caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
• If you use woodstoves or fireplaces to heat your home, remember to have them professionally serviced and cleaned.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
• Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies and have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.

A key part of preparedness is understanding the terms the National Weather Service uses to describe winter weather, as well as the definitions of watches, warnings, and advisories issued for winter weather events.

• A hazardous weather outlook is issued when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible. Outlooks are usually issued three to five days in advance of a winter storm.
• A winter storm watch alerts the public to the possibility of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter storm watches are usually issued 24 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm. These events may occur separately or in combination. Since watches are issued well in advance of the storm, there will be times when the storm does not materialize, so they may be canceled.
• A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, heavy sleet, or any combination of heavy winter precipitation is imminent or occurring. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
• An ice storm warning is issued when significant ice is expected to accumulate on trees, power lines, and roads. An ice storm is very dangerous, often disrupting traffic and knocking down power lines. Prolonged power outages can occur leaving people without power for up to a week or more.
• A wind chill warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure, usually at temperatures below minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A blizzard warning is issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below one-quarter mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

An advisory is issued for less serious weather conditions. Specific advisories will alert you to weather that would have a significant effect on roadways, outdoor activities, or public events. The following are the advisory headlines issued for winter weather events:

• A winter weather advisory is issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and/or sleet which will cause significant inconveniences, but if sufficient caution is exercised, do not usually threaten life and property.
• A wind chill advisory is issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to hazardous exposure.

Learn more about the city’s snow removal plan and routes.