Newport News City Council Confirms and Terminates Emergency Declaration Amid Winter Storm Fern
Newport News, VA — January 31, 2026 — The City Council confirmed and terminated the local emergency declaration for Winter Storm Fern, effective January 26, 2026.
City Council’s Emergency Declaration Actions
On January 27, 2026, the Newport News City Council confirmed the local emergency declaration issued on January 20 for Winter Storm Fern. The declaration was formally terminated effective January 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the resolution passing 6-0. This action enabled necessary emergency measures to protect public health and safety during the storm. No additional recovery funding or expenditures were approved during this session. The termination is effective as stated in the resolution; any follow-up reporting or requests for reimbursements were not discussed during the session.
Weather Warnings and Advisories
As of January 31, 2026, several weather warnings and advisories are in effect for Newport News, VA. A Winter Storm Warning is in place from 4:00 AM Saturday to 7:00 PM EST Sunday, with heavy snow expected and total accumulations between 5 and 9 inches, with locally higher amounts. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 1:00 AM Saturday to 1:00 AM EST Sunday, with very cold wind chills as low as zero expected. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 7:00 PM Saturday to 1:00 PM EST Sunday, with north winds 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday morning, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 5 below zero possible. Residents are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions during these conditions.
Traffic Updates
Multiple lane closures and traffic shifts are scheduled on I-64 in both directions from the I-664 interchange to Armistead Avenue, with details in the full traffic alert. Long-term single-lane closures and traffic shifts are also planned on LaSalle Avenue from North Armistead Avenue to Michigan Drive. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and exercise caution in these areas.
Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings
The Newport News Planning Commission has scheduled meetings for February 4, 2026, and February 18, 2026. Submission deadlines for items requiring Commission review are February 2, 2026, and March 2, 2026, respectively. Residents and developers are encouraged to submit applications by these deadlines to ensure timely consideration.
Visitor Guide 2026
Newport News is participating in VA250, a statewide initiative celebrating Virginia’s role in the nation’s founding. The city is offering a variety of events, programs, and partnerships throughout 2026 to commemorate this milestone. Residents and visitors are invited to join in these meaningful experiences, which highlight the city’s rich history and cultural community.
