News Flash

Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 – Hampton officials continue to prepare for a winter storm that is expected to hit the area this afternoon, bringing 4-6 inches of snow.

City schools and offices are closed today because it’s Presidents Day, but city equipment and staff are in place, with trucks, salt and brine ready to be used on Hampton streets.

Public Works snow crews will begin pretreating streets this morning. Officials will monitor conditions throughout the day, especially on bridges and overpasses. Hampton police and fire personnel, along with staff from the city’s Parks and Recreation and Social Services departments, are also prepared to deal with the effects of the storm.

A Nights Welcome, the program that provides overnight shelter for the homeless, is at First United Methodist Church this week. Arrangements have been made so that the church, located at 110 Queen St., can remain open Tuesday for those who stayed there Monday night. If the shelter remains open Tuesday, the day center for homeless run by H.E.L.P in Buckroe will be closed.

Statewide, up to a foot of snow is expected in the western areas of Virginia, and Gov. Terry McAuliffe said motorists “should monitor weather reports and road conditions and avoid or limit traveling when the storm occurs.” He said state road crews are ready to treat and plow roads as needed.

Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne warned state residents about dangerously cold wind chills and urged residents to “ensure you and your vehicle are prepared to travel and deal with any emergency.”

Hampton’s Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather and local conditions. Statewide, residents are encouraged to go to 511virginia.org for more information on road conditions.