The winter storm predicted to blanket nearly half the country in snow and ice, forecasters expect, will touch down in Hampton Roads Saturday night.

Its impacts, weather forecasters say, will likely stick till next week, as heavy ice accumulation from the Peninsula to areas further inland can lead to widespread power outages and downed trees, and make travel nearly impossible.

Several cities are developing plans to have warming shelters available to anyone who may need a place to stay warm throughout the winter storm. The Facebook and X accounts of cities across Hampton Roads will be updated with the latest information on resources for individuals facing housing insecurity during the winter weather.

In Norfolk, the City’s Homeless Outreach team has prepared the winter overflow shelter at St. Mary’s Basilica at 232 Chapel St. Day services and meals will be held daily, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Center at 1050 Tidewater Dr., a 100-bed emergency shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness.

Individuals who are homeless or unhoused and are seeking support can call the Community Services Board at 757-756-5600.

Families facing housing insecurity can call 757-587-4202 to be connected to the Hampton Roads Housing Crisis Center.

Officials ask that residents call the Norfolk police non-emergency number at 757-441-5610 to alert dispatchers of any unhoused individuals in dangerous or unsafe conditions, no matter the weather. Dispatchers will alert appropriate responders, who can provide sheltering and other resources. Residents can alert responders to individuals needing assistance by using the MyNorfolk app or online portal, as well as Norfolk Cares by emailing healthyneighborhoods@norfolk.gov or calling 757-664-6510.

Closures and cancellations in Hampton Roads due to winter storm

Across Hampton Roads, folks can call 211 or the ForKids Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202 to be connected with a shelter and other support services.

In Virginia Beach, single adults experiencing homelessness can visit PiN Ministries at 1164 Millers Lane Suite A from 5-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to check in for a bed and be connected to resources, including a meal. The Housing Resource Center, at 104 N Witchduck Road and Regional Housing Crisis Hotline, at 757-227-5932, are closed this weekend but will both reopen on Monday at 8 a.m.

In Newport News, City Manager Alan Archer has declared a state of emergency. Individuals experiencing homelessness — including females, families with children and transgender folks — have the option of sheltering overnight from 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday at the Four Oaks Day Service Center at 7401 Warwick Blvd. Four Oaks Day Service Center will remain open daily, from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide a warming shelter and support services.

For males experiencing homelessness, the current PORT Winter Shelter opens at 5:30 p.m. daily at All Generations Church at 28 Harpersville Road in Newport News, and according to PORT’s website has registered nurses available to provide health screenings and care for minor injuries and illnesses. As a result of the winter storm, patrons are able to stay at All Generations Church until Monday.

While all libraries and Parks and Recreation facilities will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday and remain closed on Sunday, Community Centers will remain open as warming centers during business hours.

The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) Adoption Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. The Reunite Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Recovery Operations Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with mulch and compost sales suspended in light of the storm.

Virginia has declared a state of emergency and will be able to access federal funding to assist in responding to emergency conditions resulting from this weekend’s winter storm.

https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/01/24/warming-centers-winter-storm-jan-2026/