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Prepare Now for January 2026
Winter Storm & Arctic Blast
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The Commonwealth of Virginia is expected to get substantial snow and ice the weekend of January 24 - 25, 2026. Snow and ice will fall from southwest to northeast across the state. There is the potential for snow totals of 12" or more depending on the storm track and duration.
A blast of arctic air is expected to follow behind this storm and may impact water utility infrastructure and support networks. Severe cold can also make working outside more difficult and more dangerous. Ensure you and your staff are prepared for the cold.
Below is the latest model from the National Weather Service. Further down the page is information to help you prepare your waterworks for this storm.
  
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Stay Informed: Monitor storm updates at the National Weather Service
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Review Emergency Plans: Need help? Visit Emergency Preparedness – Drinking Water.
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Pre-stage Equipment and Fuel (article below)
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Prepare:
- Vehicles
- Communication Equipment
- Cold Weather Gear
- De-icing Supplies
- Put Standard Operating Procedures for generators and essential equipment at each water facility
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Know the 2-Hour Reporting Rule: For critical failures or contaminant releases, review reporting guidance on the ODW Website and call 1-866-531-3068 to make a report if required.
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Join VA WARN:A mutual-aid network for utilities. Learn more at vawarn.org.
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Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your ODW Field Office.
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Pre-Staging Equipment
No matter your location, your utility is at risk from impacts of inclement weather. One of the most effective steps you can take is prestaging equipment.
What Is Prestaging?
Prestaging means preparing and positioning critical resources before a storm hits. For waterworks, this includes:
- Taking inventory of available equipment and materials
- Having part numbers ready for quick orders
- Confirming suppliers can deliver during severe weather
- Having instructions available for installing and operating the equipment.
Why It Matters:
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Faster Response – Pre-identified staging areas help reduce service disruptions.
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Better Coordination – Defined roles and locations improve flexibility and communication.
Reminder:
If you rely on outside partners for supplies, confirm their ability to deliver during emergencies—don’t assume they’ll be able to reach you.
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Winter Weather Preparedness
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Winter weather can bring a combination of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and extended power outages that pose significant challenges to water systems. Even brief periods of extreme cold can impact treatment processes, freeze exposed equipment, limit staffing, and disrupt transportation and chemical deliveries. Preparing now helps ensure continued safe operation and reliable service throughout the winter season.
Key preparedness reminders for waterworks:
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Inspect and protect vulnerable equipment such as exposed pipes, meters, chemical feed lines, and outdoor instrumentation.
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Verify backup power systems and ensure fuel, generators, and transfer switches are ready for potential outages.
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Confirm employee call-down lists and ensure staff understand inclement weather reporting procedures.
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Review chemical inventory and resupply plans in case road conditions delay deliveries.
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Coordinate with local emergency management and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
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Prepare for customer impacts such as frozen service lines and potential low-pressure events.
Being proactive with winter storm readiness supports operational resilience, protects infrastructure, and ensures the continued delivery of safe drinking water to Virginia communities.
Check out the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) webpage for winter weather: VDEM Winter Weather
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The National Weather Service has regional offices that cover different parts of the state. Use the links below to see forecasts and maps for your area:
Wakefield: Wakefield, VA
Sterling: Baltimore/Washington
Blacksburg: Blacksburg, VA
Charleston, WV: Charleston, WV
Morristown, TN: Morristown, TN
They also have page devoted to Weather Safety for All Hazards. Check it out here:
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Stay Informed:
Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) Weather Briefings: Mondays 10:00am
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The National Weather Service (NWS) provides a weekly outlook live weather briefing each Monday at 10 am.
Click Here to sign up to attend the online briefings.
Note that during VEST activations, the briefing times will change based on VEST timing and needs. The webinar link may also be used for storm updates and partners will be notified anytime there are specially scheduled briefings.
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What's the Difference: Warning vs Watch
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the terms used to communicate the status of impending weather events.
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Office of Drinking Water using GovDelivery for Communication
You are receiving this email because your email address is associated with a regulated waterworks in Virginia or you signed up to receive the newsletter. Please add this email to your "Safe Senders" list so they land in your in-box and not your spam-box.
If you need to update your contact information, please reach out to:
Julie Floyd, Operator Certification & Training Manager, at julie.floyd@vdh.virginia.gov.
Know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? They can sign up here:
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VDH Office of Drinking Water
Contact Us | Website
Waterworks After-Hours Emergency Call Center: 1-866-531-3068
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