Henrico County has declared a state of local emergency ahead of a winter storm that could bring as much as six inches of snow and a half inch of ice beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Monday.
The declaration of emergency, approved today by County Manager John A. Vithoulkas, gives officials additional flexibility to make purchases and mobilize resources to address impacts of the storm. The Emergency Operations Center was activated early this week in anticipation of the storm, which is paired with bitter temperatures that could drop to the teens and wind chills below zero.
Officials are urging residents to avoid traveling, if possible, once road conditions become hazardous and to prepare for a loss of power.
“We would encourage folks to be prepared for power outages and make sure they have the supplies they need to use flashlights and lanterns for light in their home and not candles, because of the fire hazard,” said Rob Rowley, chief of the Department of Emergency Management.
Residents are recommended to have on hand preparedness kit with enough food, water, emergency supplies and medications to support each person and any pets for at least 72 hours. More information is available from the Community Preparedness Guide.
Between the county’s crews and contractors, the Department of Public Works is ready to mobilize more than 100 vehicles 24 hours a day until roads are clear, said Jeff Sadler, director for road maintenance.
“If you don’t have to go out, stay home, let us get the roads clear,” he said. “If you are out and see one of the trucks coming toward you, slow down, give them room.”
With the storm expected to deliver a tricky mix of snow and ice, Public Works is preparing to spread a mixture of sand and salt on the county’s roads to promote both traction and melting.
For those needing emergency shelter, Richmond’s Cold Weather Shelter is open with extended hours through at least Tuesday, Jan. 27. The facility, at 1900 Chamberlayne Ave., is operated by The Salvation Army Central Area Command with partial support from Henrico. More information is available online and by calling 804-653-5707.
Key Phone Numbers & Links
Water/Sewer: 804-501-5025
Downed Trees: 804-727-8300 (West End), 804-652-3975 (East End)
Henrico County Police: 804-501-5000
Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357
Richmond City Gas Works: 804-646-4646
Emergencies: 911
Register for Henrico County Emergency Alerts: henrico.gov/services/henrico-alert/
Follow Henrico County and departments on social media: henrico.gov/social-media/
Download the Henrico County mobile app: henrico.gov/apps/