Winter returns today, as an arctic cold front moves across the area. According to the National Weather Service’s Wakefield Office, we should expect rain to change to wet snow this afternoon and evening, as temperatures fall to near freezing. A quick burst of 1-2 inches of snow could make for hazardous driving conditions later today. A second, more significant period of accumulating snow is expected Friday morning through Saturday morning. A Winter Storm WATCH has been issued for our area for Friday into Saturday morning, meaning severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two. Crews in Newport News are preparing accordingly. Our Public Works Street Maintenance Division has 25 snow plows, 9 salt/sand spreaders and 6 brine units mounted, and has over 2,000 tons of salt and 1,000 tons of sand on hand. Road crews have begun working 12 hour shifts around the clock and will stay in place for as long as needed. In the city, roads are treated/plowed in accordance with our Snow Removal Plan, and like other Hampton Roads localities, Newport News does not plow subdivision/neighborhood streets. Below are some winter weather tips to keep you safe as the storms move in.
Continue to stay up-to-date on your local forecast as details develop.Stay off the roads, if possible, during the storms. If travel is essential, please visit 511virginia.org for road conditions BEFORE traveling.Charge your devices in case of power outages.Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.Stock your pantry with extra food and water.Prevent frozen pipes by opening cabinet doors to circulate warmer air around plumbing and letting cold water drip from the faucet at a trickle.Check that your Carbon Monoxide detectors are working and have a battery backup. The Newport News Department of Emergency Management hosted a Winter Weather Talk with NWS Meteorologist Jeff Orrock. View the program on the Newport News TV YouTube page for ways to stay safe during a winter storm. If you go out to enjoy the snow, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer or heavy clothing. Protect yourself from Frostbite! Hands, feet and face are the most commonly affected areas so wear a hat, mittens (which are warmer than gloves) and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss. Keep dry! Change out of wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling. For additional tips visit the National Weather Service website. |
