The winter storm sweeping through Virginia and North Carolina has left communities grappling with snow, freezing rain, and related disruptions, prompting aggressive preparations by utility companies and state agencies.
On the ground, crews from Dominion Energy are staffing around the clock to address potential power outages and maintain the stability of the power grid. "When it’s this cold outside, we’re still doing our normal work," explained groundsman Leighton Gualdoni. His team is enhancing the grid's resilience against winter's harsh elements. Gualdoni also noted how cold weather can exacerbate power demands. "Tree limbs, they get heavier, they come down... wires begin to freeze... and can cause issues making contact with other wires. When it gets cold, everyone is running their heat and that's pulling more power, and... can shock the system," he remarked.
To keep safe amid the drop in temperatures, Gualdoni offered advice about staying warm: “Definitely layering up, wearing some nice thick socks, wearing some nice sturdy shoes — make sure they are not just going to soak up the water and moisture around you. Just stay safe and be vigilant.” With roads turning hazardous as temperatures dip, he cautioned drivers to be extra careful, stating, “Roads freeze — it’s important to watch out when you’re driving.”
Meanwhile, Virginia Beach City Public Schools reported significant operational challenges due to the storm. Roughly 100 school buses experienced delays affected by cold weather, with many buses struggling with mechanical failures including frozen doors and air leaks. A spokesperson confirmed these issues were widespread across all grade levels as the district operates on a four-tier school schedule. At 5 AM, 35 drivers called out sick — double the usual figure — leading to major disruptions across the system.
North Carolina faced similar weather challenges, particularly on the Outer Banks. Manteo began to see snow mixed with freezing rain by 3:15 PM on Tuesday, prompting the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to ramp up its winter preparations. Spokesperson Tim Haas detailed their efforts, stating, "We have spent the last day-and-a-half brining... all the bridges and primary roads... right now, our brining operations are winding down.”
Haas said additional tons of rock salt were mobilized for readiness against expected snowfall. “These guys have been working all day yesterday, half a day today, and they are going home to rest because they will be back here tonight working through the night, plowing and salting roads,” he explained. Prioritizing major routes, NCDOT crews will focus on clearing important roadways, including Routes 12, 158, 64, and 264.
With meteorological forecasts predicting between six to eight inches of snow, Haas urged caution among residents: “Stay off the roads tonight... if you have to go out, slow down, keep lots of space between you and other cars and our work trucks.” Dare County Emergency Management echoed this sentiment, advising residents to limit unnecessary travel and take preparations seriously.
Warnings are also being issued about how quickly road conditions can deteriorate. With the storm impacting various services across both states, local authorities have announced multiple school delays and closures to preserve public safety as snowfall begins to accumulate.
This storm serves as a stark reminder of winter’s unpredictability and the importance of preparation, underscoring the community’s resilience against Mother Nature’s challenges.