A 2026 WINTER WEATHER - Talking Points

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Updated: 6:30 am February 1, 2026 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (VDEM) • The Virginia Emergency Support Team has transitioned to Orange-Partial Activation at the Emergency Operations Center. • Governor Spanberger issued Executive Order 11 on January 22, 2026 declaring a state of emergency in the commonwealth. • Governor Spanberger requested a Federal Emergency Declaration on January 22, 2026. On January 23, 2026, Virginia received the declaration which include the authorization for FEMA to provide emergency protective measures (category b)/direct federal assistance. • VDEM remains in contact with local governments, state, and federal agency partners to assess impacts and are facilitating requests for assistance as they are made. VIRGINIA DEPERTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT) • While roadway conditions are improving, the commonwealth is still experiencing extremely cold temperatures. Icy conditions and slick spots may persist, especially overnight and during the early morning hours, so motorists should delay morning travel. Drivers should use caution on bridges, shaded areas, mountain passes and higher elevations where ice can form first. • If you need to travel, know road conditions before you leave home. Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, check the 511 Virginia mobile app or call 511 in Virginia for road condition updates. • If you do need to travel, please give our crews adequate room to work and remember not to pass a plow truck actively plowing snow. • As of Tuesday, interstate and primary roads are mostly clear, while VDOT crews continue to make progress in plowing and treating secondary roads and roads in subdivisions and neighborhoods. Continue to remain patient and stay off the roads in these areas. • Motorists should not expect bare pavement in many subdivisions and neighborhoods. With temperatures remaining below freezing, snow and ice can stay packed on roadways, even as crews continue snow removal and treatment operations. • Staying off snow-packed roads can help VDOT crews with snow removal operations. When vehicles begin driving on the snow on secondary and neighborhood roads, it becomes packed down and increasingly challenging for snowplows to reach bare pavement. VDOT crews in most of the commonwealth are working around the clock plowing snow and applying treatment materials to improve road conditions. • VDOT focuses on interstates and most major primary roads first. Crews also plow major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes. VIRGINIA STATE POLICE (VSP) • VSP has switched back to normal shifts and duty. VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD • Virginia National Guard personnel have demobilized with the exception of personnel in southwest Virginia. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (VDH) • We are seeing an increase in visits to emergency departments statewide for hypothermia/cold exposure. • Due to the extreme cold temperatures and wind chill hypothermia and frostbite are real concerns. Focus on staying warm and dry. • Stay indoors. If you must go outside, Limit your time outside. Dress appropriately. Be sure to cover your head, fingers and toes. Change out of wet clothes immediately. • Many injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. o Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt, sand or another chemical de-icing compound. o Wear proper footwear for traction. o Take slow, short steps. • Shoveling in the cold can put an extra strain on your body. o Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing. o Use a proper shoveling technique to reduce strain on the body. o Don’t overdo it. Take breaks to catch your breath and drink water. o Try pushing the snow rather than lifting and throwing it. • We encourage individuals with chronic conditions (like kidney failure) to reach out to their healthcare provider to make sure they have a care plan in place while travel is limited. • For answers to frequently asked questions about staying healthy, warm and safe, please visit the VDH website: www.vdh.virginia.gov. Stay Warm • The priority now is to stay warm and dry. • Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold. • Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water. • Eating healthy meals will help to keep your body temperature warm. • Stay hydrated even during the cold to prevent hypothermia. Drink warm beverages. • Check on neighbors and family. • If you must go outside, please take these precautions: o Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes to prevent frostbite. Be aware of the wind chill factor. o Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps. o Avoid getting wet. If you get wet, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia. o Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors. • If you notice signs of frostbite and hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately. POWER OUTAGE DATA • https://poweroutage.us/area/state/virginia • To report an outage, please contact your service provider • Check with your provider directly to determine repair schedules • For more information and tips on what actions to take during a power outage, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

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