Winter Weather Updates

Last updated 1/28/26 at 6:45 p.m.

During Richmond's winter weather season, the City will share information about resources, closures, and delays on this page.

  Latest Updates

• 1/28 — City announces a return to regular hours and operations on Thursday, January 29. All City buildings and offices will be open.
• 1/27 —  City announces a delayed opening, the end of the City state of emergency, and a deactivation of the City emergency shelter for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
• 1/27 — Dominion Energy crews are working with the City of Richmond to address an outage in the Highland Park area caused by the extreme cold weather. Approximately 78 customers are affected. Crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to restore power and ensure reliability in the area. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep you safe and restore service. For the most up-to-date information about power outages, please visit Dominion's Outage Map at outagemap.dominionenergy.com.
• 1/26 — City of Richmond to resume trash collection and bulk and brush services on Jan. 27
• 1/26 — City of Richmond offices to close on Tuesday, 1/27
• 1/26 — RPS announces school and office closure tomorrow, Jan. 27
• 1/26 — GRTC announces suspension of all bus services today, Jan. 26, including CARE
• 1/25 — City of Richmond pauses trash and bulk collection services for Monday, January 26
• 1/25 — Mayor Danny Avula shares fire safety advice
• 1/25 — City of Richmond offices to close on Monday, 1/26
• 1/25 — GRTC announces that services, including CARE, are closed on Sunday, 1/25, due to icy conditions.
• 1/24 — Traffic Advisory: Inclement Weather Road Closures
• 1/24 — Richmond to Activate City Emergency Shelter Ahead of Winter Storm
• 1/23 — Declaration of Local Emergency, Jan. 23, 2026
• 1/23 — January 26, 2026 City Council Informal and Formal Meetings Cancellation
• 1/23 — Mayor Danny Avula Declares State of Emergency Due to Approaching Severe Winter Weather
• 1/23 — Delays Expected with Household Trash & Bulk Collections
• 1/20 — The City is monitoring winter weather forecasts for the weekend of January 24 and 25. As the forecasted impacts become clearer, we will share additional updates. 

  Winter Safety

Tips

• In case of power outages, have emergency supplies on hand, including food, water, and flashlights.
• Never use stoves or ovens as a heat source. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace or a portable space heater. Watch Mayor Danny Avula's video on safety for alternative heat sources.
• Be cautious when using a generator and ensure that it is positioned outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside your home.
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing.
• Be vigilant when walking outdoors; icy surfaces can pose a hazard. Ensure that walkways and driveways are cleared of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls.
• Secure and reinforce all windows, roofs, doors, and garage doors.
• Continue to monitor weather conditions and stay informed through trusted sources, like local news outlets and The National Weather Service Wakefield.
• Learn about the City's snow removal procedures.

Traveling in the snow (if you must!)

• Leave early and allow extra travel time.
• Review the GRTC bus schedule to allow for changes related to snow routes and cancellations.
• Slow Down. Reduce your speed, even if the road looks clear, black ice can be hidden.
• Maintain a larger gap between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for better reaction time.
• Keep your vehicle clean! If you need to travel, please completely clean your entire vehicle of all snow & ice from windows, mirrors, the hood, trunk, and roof. As it melts, the ice/snow can break & strike other cars behind you. If you don't completely remove snow and ice from your car you could be cited for reckless driving or negligence and/or be sued for negligence if ice flies off your car and causes an accident or damages or hurts someone
• Watch out for black ice! Be aware of areas icy areas like bridges and shady spots which freeze before other areas.
• Keep an emergency winter kit in your car.