January 29, 2026 Update for Waterworks:

Prepare Now for More Winter Weather and Cold Temperatures

The Commonwealth of Virginia may experience

significant snowfall this weekend

(January 31 – February 1, 2026).

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through at least Friday morning, and Winter Storm Watches have been issued ahead of the anticipated snowstorm this weekend. Heavy snow is expected, particularly in the south and southeast regions of the state. Blizzard conditions are possible along the coast.

A blizzard occurs when three conditions happen at the same time:

• Visibility reduced to ¼ mile or less
• Sustained snowfall for at least three hours
• Strong winds and cold temperatures

Most snow accumulations are expected south of I-64, with the heaviest impacts in the far south and especially the southeast. Winds will be strongest along the coast, with north to northwest gusts of 45–60 mph or higher. Below is the latest forecast model from the National Weather Service. Stay up to date with the most current weather forecast at the National Weather Service website. 

As you prepare for this next storm:

• Take time now to evaluate, repair, and prepare your equipment in advance of this next storm.
• Check on your staff. Make sure they still have sufficient and operable safety gear and a means to stay warm and safe while responding to rapidly changing situations.
• Communicate with your customers and localities.  

Additional information to help water systems prepare for this storm is provided further down the page.

Steps to take now:

• Stay Informed: Monitor storm updates at the National Weather Service
• Review Emergency Plans: Need help? Visit Emergency Preparedness – Drinking Water.
• Pre-stage Equipment and Fuel (article below)
• Evaluate, Repair & Prepare Equipment and Supplies that were used in the earlier storm response. Take time now so your equipment is ready to go.
  • Vehicles
  • Communication Equipment
  • Cold Weather Gear
  • De-icing Supplies
  • Put Standard Operating Procedures for generators and essential equipment at each water facility
• Check on Your Staff: Response fatigue is real. Make sure they have the resources to respond to changing situations. 
• 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.
• Join VA WARN:A mutual-aid network for utilities. Learn more at vawarn.org.
• Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your ODW Field Office.

Pre-Staging Equipment : It's not too late

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:

1. Faster Response – Pre-identified staging areas help reduce service disruptions.
2. 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.

Winter Weather Preparedness

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:

• Inspect and protect vulnerable equipment such as exposed pipes, meters, chemical feed lines, and outdoor instrumentation.
• Verify backup power systems and ensure fuel, generators, and transfer switches are ready for potential outages.
• Confirm employee call-down lists and ensure staff understand inclement weather reporting procedures.
• Review chemical inventory and resupply plans in case road conditions delay deliveries.
• Coordinate with local emergency management and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
• 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

Stay Informed: Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) Weather Briefings: Mondays 10:00am

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.

Office of Drinking Water using GovDelivery for Communication 

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If you need to update your contact information, please reach out to:

Julie Floyd, Operator Certification & Training Manager, at julie.floyd@vdh.virginia.gov.

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Waterworks After-Hours Emergency Call Center: 1-866-531-3068