As Norfolk braces for an incoming winter storm, local officials, public services, and energy providers are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. through Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with snowfall projections of up to 8 inches across the region. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the anticipated impacts and the necessary precautions for Norfolk residents.
Norfolk Public Schools Announce Closure & Transition to Remote Learning
Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) have announced the closure of all in-person learning on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to hazardous conditions. All students will transition to remote learning via live, online, synchronous instruction to maintain educational continuity. Families should review any materials sent home by teachers to ensure students are prepared for this temporary shift.
NPS staff members are expected to work remotely as per direction from school-level and departmental supervisors. Families should continue to monitor official NPS communications, including robocalls, text messages, social media, and the NPS website for further updates.
Dominion Energy Prepares for Potential Power Outages
Dominion Energy is closely monitoring the storm’s progress, with concerns over potential ice accumulation in North Carolina and significant snowfall in the Hampton Roads region. The company is pre-positioning restoration crews and contractors to respond swiftly in case of power outages.
Residents are advised to take the following precautions:
Report downed power lines immediately by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) and assume all downed lines are live.
Monitor the Dominion Energy mobile app or website for real-time updates on power restoration.
Prepare for possible outages by assembling emergency kits that include:
Batteries, flashlights, and lanterns
Cash (as ATMs may be impacted)
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food items
First aid kit, necessary medications, and hygiene supplies
A vehicle phone charger
If using a portable generator, ensure proper ventilation and follow all safety guidelines. Generators should never be operated indoors.
City of Norfolk Winter Storm Response & Travel Advisory
The latest National Weather Service forecast indicates that Norfolk is still expected to receive significant snowfall beginning mid-morning on Wednesday, February 19. Snowfall will intensify through the afternoon, overnight, and into early Thursday morning. Forecasted totals remain between six to eight inches. Cold temperatures will persist through Friday before warming up over the weekend.
City Facility Closures:
All City facilities will be closed on Wednesday, February 19, including:
Recreation centers
Libraries, including The Slover
Norfolk Animal Care Center
MacArthur Memorial
Nauticus
Offices of the Treasurer and Commissioner of the Revenue
Norfolk Courthouse
Virginia Zoo
Chrysler Museum
Norfolk Botanical Garden (closing at noon on Wednesday, February 19)
All Wednesday and Thursday shows at SevenVenues have been canceled.
Waste Management Schedule:
Regular refuse collection will proceed on Wednesday, February 19.
Thursday, February 20 routes will be collected on Saturday, February 22.
Friday, February 21 routes will be collected on Monday, February 24.
All bulk and yard waste collections for the remainder of the week are canceled and will resume next week.
Street Parking & Plowing:
On-street parking downtown will be removed along Boush St., Granby St., Main St., and Waterside Dr. from Tuesday, February 18, at 10 p.m. until Saturday, February 22, at 1 p.m. to allow for plowing operations.
York Street Garage and Brambleton Lot will be open for residents needing parking until 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 22.
Public Works crews are actively treating underpasses, bridges, and major intersections.
Plowing operations begin when at least two inches of snow accumulates and conditions allow.
Two additional contractors have been secured to assist in clearing primary and secondary roads.
A separate contractor will manage downtown snow removal.
Residential roads will not be plowed due to equipment limitations, but plowing aims to allow neighborhood access.
Residents are urged to stay off the roads once snow begins to allow for safe plowing and emergency response operations.
Emergency Shelter & Services:
The Norfolk Community Services Board outreach teams are actively providing support and shelter to unhoused individuals.
If emergency shelter is required due to prolonged power outages, Norview High School has been designated as a temporary shelter under the City's emergency response plan.
Team Norfolk crews and on-call contractors are prepared to respond as needed.
Norfolk Cares Assistance Available
Norfolk Cares is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19. Residents are advised to submit requests to Norfolk Cares via the mobile app, online at www.mynorfolk.org, or by calling (757) 664-6510.
Please only call 911 in case of an emergency.
Weather Forecast & Safety Precautions
Wednesday, February 19: Snow begins around 9:00 a.m., with heaviest accumulation expected from noon to midnight.
Thursday, February 20: Snow tapers off between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Strong wind gusts up to 25 mph may create blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions.
Friday, February 21: Clear skies with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s, aiding in snowmelt.
Saturday, February 22 - Sunday, February 23: Gradual warming, reaching 45°F by Sunday.
Residents should stay off the roads during the storm's peak unless absolutely necessary. If travel is unavoidable, drive with extreme caution, reduce speed, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Stay Informed & Be Prepared
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay updated through official communication channels:
Norfolk Public Schools: Website, robocalls, and social media updates
Dominion Energy: Mobile app, website, and 1-866-DOM-HELP for outages
City of Norfolk Alerts: Follow emergency advisories on Norfolk’s official website and social media channels
National Weather Service: Official storm updates and forecasts
As Norfolk prepares for this winter storm, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the community. Please take the necessary precautions, monitor updates, and support one another during this weather event. Stay safe, Norfolk!
Comments