Bracing for predictions of snowfall, sleet, ice build-up and below freezing temperatures, state officials are warning Virginians to prepare for the possibility of days of road closures and power outages.

Governor Abigail Spanberger, in a press conference on Saturday, said the impending winter storm will be “catastrophic,” with tremendous impacts on the state’s roads and energy grid. Preparation, Spanberger stressed, is crucial to weathering not only the winter storm, but its impacts that are likely to continue into next week.

Making sure you have food, alternative heating and power sources, as well as blankets and medications, officials have stressed, is essential to weather what forecasters expect will be up to 48 hours of nearly impossible road travel and rolling power outages in areas of Hampton Roads.

The state’s Department of Transportation has stockpiled road treatments, including salt and chemicals, pre-positioned vehicles and mobilized crews to be ready to clear interstates and major roads. But, Spanberger said, it may take up to 48 hours after snowfall ends before crews can clear the roads of subdivisions.

Spanberger also said the state is maintaining constant communication with energy providers, working to ensure damage to power lines can be addressed quickly. Dominion Energy is stockpiling materials and preparing equipment for a “multi-day power restoration effort,” said a spokesperson in an email.

In the event of a power outage, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) shared in a release that it is important to stay warm and dry to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

They suggest using extra blankets, winter coats, sleeping bags — as well as covering your head, fingers and toes. Staying hydrated, especially with warm beverages, also helps guard against hypothermia.

While using alternative heat sources, such as portable space heaters, kerosene heaters or a fireplace, take care to keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away to prevent fire.

Turning on your water tap regularly, or opening your cabinets to bring warm air to your home’s pipes, can help protect pipes from freezing in extreme cold.

Keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and storing items in a cooler with ice packs, can help preserve perishable foods. But if perishable items, such as meat, eggs or leftovers, have been above 40 degrees for over two hours, VDH says it is better to discard it all.

If you take prescription medications or require medical devices, make sure they are accessible, said Cameron Webb, the state health commissioner, in Saturday’s press conference. This means charging medical devices to last over several days, or having a portable charger on standby.

Having the ability to reach loved ones, or have them reach you, Webb said, is critical, whether that is preparing a portable charger for your devices, or keeping them fully charged from time to time.

You can also reach out to your neighbors, Webb suggested, to make sure they are prepared for the potential severity of the upcoming storm.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see is not being prepared today,” said John Scrivani, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “If you think the storm won’t hit you, you will likely be wrong.”

The risks of ice and snow accumulation are not exclusive to power outages and travel on roadways. Shane Squires, director of the Emergency department at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said the most common injuries he sees during severe winter weather are breaks and sprains of ankles, wrists, arms and backs.

When slipping on ice frozen over flat surfaces, Squires says people will often try to break their fall using their arms, and end up injuring themselves. It is safer, he said in a press briefing, to brace yourself by rolling into a fall.

Shoveling snow is more taxing than people expect, Squires said, and lifting snow using your legs instead of your back can help prevent back sprains, strains, and even heart attacks.

While playing in the snow, or sledding down Mount Trashmore, Squires said wearing a helmet, as well as elbow and knee pads, can go a long way to help prevent injury. Keeping all of your skin covered, using hats, gloves, socks and scarves is important to stave off frostbite.

In the event of an emergency, Squires said it is better to call 911 and have an ambulance take you to the hospital, than trying to navigate unknown driving conditions yourself.

If you are unsure of whether your symptoms require immediate medical attention, Squires suggests that you first consult your primary care physician or seek a virtual visit with a medical professional to help you decide what next steps to take.

https://www.dailypress.com/2026/01/24/safety-tips-winter-storm-jan-2026/