Richmond Faces Winter Challenges Amid Upcoming Storm

City Activates Emergency Shelter Ahead of Winter Storm

In anticipation of a potential winter storm, the City of Richmond is reopening the City Emergency Shelter at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30. Located at the Southside Community Center (6255 Old Warwick Road), the shelter is open to individuals and families seeking refuge from the impending weather. Residents planning to bring pets are advised to contact Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573 for temporary housing options, as space is limited and available by appointment. Service animals are permitted in the shelter. The city will assess the need to keep the shelter open for Saturday and Sunday 24 hours in advance. For those in need of a safe, warm place, alternative options include the Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and the Linwood Robinson Senior Center. The CARITAS Surge Shelter will also continue regular operations. For the latest information on Richmond’s winter weather operations, residents can call 311 or visit rva.gov/common/winter-weather-updates.

Residents Brace for Icy Conditions

Richmond residents are preparing for another round of wintry weather this weekend, with a strong coastal storm likely to bring significant snowfall. Unlike the previous storm that included a mix of snow, sleet, and ice, this system is expected to bring primarily snow, which is easier for residents to manage and for road crews to clear. While this may reduce power line damage, residents should still prepare for hazardous road conditions due to persistently frigid temperatures. Snow flurries may begin as early as Friday night or Saturday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected from Saturday into Sunday. The storm’s impact on Richmond will depend on how close it tracks to the coast—the nearer it is, the more snow the region is likely to receive. Local residents have already been seen ice skating and skiing through neighborhoods, indicating the severe disruption from recent weather.

Health Advisory: Surge in Ice-Related Injuries

The Virginia Department of Health reports a significant increase in ice-related injuries across the state, with over 3,400 people treated for slips and falls in the past two days. Central Virginia accounted for more than 1,100 of these visits, with daily averages nearly three and a half times higher than normal since December. Most of the incidents involved adults aged 45 and older. The Richmond Fire Department is sharing safety tips to help residents avoid slipping and keep people out of the emergency room. Residents are advised to exercise caution when navigating icy sidewalks and roads.

Community Vigil Honors Pedestrian Victims

A candlelight vigil at Richmond City Hall on Thursday night paid tribute to pedestrians who have been killed by drivers. The vigil comes after six pedestrians were killed in the city within three weeks spanning December and January. Among them was Bill Martin, director of the Valentine Museum, who was killed crossing East Broad Street, and 64-year-old Donald Jaciuk, who was struck by the driver of a dump truck while crossing Leigh Street. Outside the city, Barbara Jones was killed in Henrico’s West End in December, and Carri Williams was killed by a driver on Route 1 in Chesterfield. Cathy Fleming’s daughter, Lauren, was hit and killed in South Richmond in November. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula recently vowed that the city will take new safety measures to protect people walking and biking.

Traffic Alert: Icy Conditions Persist

Hundreds of people in Central Virginia remain trapped in their neighborhoods due to dangerous icy conditions that have persisted since Sunday’s winter storm. Richmond’s hilly terrain has created particularly hazardous driving situations for some families in Church Hill, who say they’ve been unable to leave their homes for days as ice-covered roads make travel nearly impossible. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating hilly areas and to stay updated on road conditions through local news outlets and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Upcoming Events Amid Weather Concerns

This weekend in Richmond offers a modest selection of events due to winter weather concerns, so verifying event status before attending is advised. On Thursday, former NPR host Ari Shapiro presents a cabaret show at The Tin Pan at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $74.57. Friday includes a sold-out “Heated Rivalry Rave” at The Broadberry, featuring queer pop anthems; resales may be available. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will host its “After 5 Fridays” showcasing VCU’s Black Awakening Choir and the Hampton University Marching Force Band at 6:30 p.m. Also on Friday, Scotty’s Taphouse offers line dancing, lessons, and mechanical bull rides for free to guests 23 and over. Saturday marks the opening of “Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy” at the Black History Museum, with admission starting at $10. For a unique winter outing, there’s an option to have a large dog pull a sled to a dinner outing (costing $50–$200). On Sunday, locals are encouraged to grab ice skates and head out for a skating brunch with mimosas, with prices ranging from $25 to $75. Given the anticipated weather, it’s advisable to check the status of these events before attending.

Sources

• Richmond to activate emergency shelter amid Winter Storm Watch
• Icy conditions send over 3,400 Virginians to emergency rooms in 2 days
• Candlelight vigil honors pedestrians killed in Richmond
• Trapped by Ice: Cars sliding down Richmond hills for days
• Slim pickings this weekend in Richmond, but here’s what you can do