Editor’s note: The Free Press will periodically update this post with information from localities about services available to the public during the winter storm.
Warming shelters
In Fredericksburg, there’s a plan to open a shelter and/or warming centers if prolonged power outages occur, Public Information Officer Caitlyn McGhee wrote in an email. A notification will be sent via FredAlert and shared on the city’s website and social media.
“Micah Ecumenical Ministries will have a unisex, 24hr cold weather shelter at the Fredericksburg Baptist Church, entrance at 1016 Caroline St, starting today, January 24 at 5:30pm,” McGhee added.
Caroline County officials announced the opening of an emergency shelter starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The shelter will be located at Caroline High School, 19155 Rogers Clark Boulevard in Milford. The shelter will operate with limited resources, so residents who choose to seek shelter are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible and bring essential supplies, including bedding, medication, food, phone chargers, personal hygiene items, a battery-powered flashlight, and small games and toys for children.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking and weapons are not allowed. The shelter is meant to provide temporary refuge and may not be able to accommodate all personal needs. No household pets are allowed, but service animals are permitted.
In Spotsylvania, a warming center will open at Thornburg Middle School, 6929 N. Roxbury Mill Road, on Saturday at 9 p.m. Please bring medications, supplies, pillows and blankets. If bringing a pet, include a carrier/crate and supplies such as food and medications.
From Mary Washington Healthcare
Mary Washington Healthcare — parent organization of Mary Washington and Stafford hospitals, and outpatient and affiliated facilities — is closely monitoring the potentially serious weather event and has activated preparedness plans to help ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and team members, according to MWHC spokeswoman Kendra Gerlach.
Staffing coverage, on‑site support and continuity plans are in place so essential services can continue, Gerlach said.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to prioritize patient care while responding to this winter storm,” she said.
As winter weather approaches, MWHC encourages community members to make sure they have adequate medications and essential supplies at home, especially if road conditions become hazardous. Refilling prescriptions early can help avoid disruptions in care if travel is limited.
For the most up‑to‑date information on delays, closures or changes in hours, visit mwhc.com. MWHC encourages residents to check this page before traveling to appointments and to prioritize safety during inclement weather.
Anyone who doesn’t have a reason to be at the hospital is asked to remain at home and are encouraged to limit all non-essential travel in the area for the duration of the storm.
From the Stafford County schools
“We are closely monitoring weather forecasts that indicate significant snowfall beginning later this weekend. At this time, all activities and events scheduled after 5 p.m. on Saturday and all day Sunday are cancelled. Buildings will be closed to outside activities. Due to the current cold weather advisory and anticipated extreme temperatures, the Health and Wellness Fair (including the Polar Pals Fun Run) has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7.
“We anticipate making a decision regarding school operating status for Monday by Sunday afternoon.”
From the Stafford County government
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday declared a State of Emergency for the commonwealth. The governor and the Virginia Department of Transportation ask that residents stay off the roads once snowfall begins to allow VDOT space to clear the roads as quickly as possible and first responders to get to emergency calls.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Stafford from 11 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Monday. Residents are strongly encouraged to act now to prepare enough supplies to stay at home once the snow begins. Stafford is expecting heavy mixed precipitation with total snow and sleet accumulations of 9-12 inches and ice accumulations. Wind gusts of up to 22 mph are also expected Monday.
Estimates for ice accumulations range from .25-inch to 1 inch as a worst-case scenario. Ice, especially on the higher end of that range, could cause several days of power outages. The electric companies may not only have to replace lines, but also infrastructure, including poles. If you see a downed power line, never touch it. You may report it to Dominion Energy at 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357) or NOVEC at 1-888-335-0500.
NWS has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory in effect from 8 p.m. Friday thought 10 a.m. Saturday. Extreme cold temperatures are forecasted to begin tonight and continue through the middle of next week with subzero wind chill values expected during overnight hours. Please provide warm shelter and water for outdoor animals and pets. Wear layers and limit outdoor exposure to prevent hypothermia.
Micah Ministries will be opening an emergency snow shelter in Fredericksburg at Fredericksburg Baptist Church for unhoused men and women after the community dinner Saturday. It will remain open day and night through the storm. For more information, visit Micah’s website.
Now is the time to finish preparations. Residents should be prepared to shelter in place for at least three days with enough food, water and medication for all household members, including pets. For preparedness tips, visit our Winter Weather Preparedness Page. This link also contains information on how to sign up for Stafford Alert, where you can choose to receive severe weather notifications and other emergency updates.
Residents can also check for updates and information for Winter Storm Fern. Decisions for any changes to government operations will be published on this page. For updates on Parks and Recreation activities and closures or cancellations, please subscribe to Stafford Alert.
The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court will be closed Monday, and the Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
Any DMV-identified identification or driver’s licenses expiring this week will be extended for 30 days, according to the state of Virginia.
Federal emergency
At a press conference in Richmond, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the state’s goal with storm response is to quickly return to normal.
“There is never a sort of a clear line of what constitutes success when there is just so much on the line,” the Democrat said Saturday. “But our goal here is to protect people, to protect our fellow Virginians, and ultimately get through this storm as quicky as possible and get back to normal, normal functioning, whether it’s of the energy grid or of our road systems, as quickly as possible.”
Spanberger said the Virginia Department of Transportation has completed pre-treating state roads, but she cautioned that clearing snow will take time.
“Those who live in housing subdivisions need to be aware that it may be 24 to 48 hours, or in some cases more, after the snow has stopped before their roads in their subdivisions will be clear,” she said.
She also mentioned that Virginia has received a federal emergency declaration that means the state can receive direct federal supplies to respond to residents’ needs.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator John Scrivani, who also appeared at the news conference, said Virginians need to be serious about preparation.
“If you think this storm is not going to hit you, you are probably wrong. I would hope you are right, but you are probably wrong,” he said. “You need to prepare your family, your home.”
And Dr. Cameron Webb, state health commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health, said residents should make sure they have prescription medications and medical devices on hand as part of their preparation.
Webb also said it’s important to check on neighbors, friends and family to ensure everyone has a plan of action.
“Much harder to address needs down the road,” he said. “Better if we make that plan now and make sure we’re ready to execute on it.”
From the Virginia Department of Transportation
Limited parking will be available for ridesharing starting this weekend in two Virginia Department of Transportation Park and Ride lots in the Fredericksburg area due to winter weather operations.
The two affected lots are Route 17 in Stafford County, and Route 1 and Commonwealth Drive in Spotsylvania County.
VDOT crews plowing Interstate 95 use these Park and Ride lots for staging. The number of available parking spaces will be significantly reduced. Parking is anticipated to remain limited into next week, depending on the status of snow-removal operations.
Message boards are posted to alert users to limited parking availability in these lots. The boards will remain activated as long as snow removal continues to affect the lots.
No vehicles remaining in the lot will be removed as part of this storm event, but VDOT reminds users that Park and Ride lots are for ridesharing purposes and should not be used for long-term vehicle storage.
Winter Weather Resources
- Get current road conditions from 511Virginia. Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, download the free 511Virginia mobile app, or call 511.
- Follow VDOT Fredericksburg District on social media at X and join the district group page on Facebook, and find other VDOT social media accounts statewide.
- Find the latest news releases from VDOT.
- Contact the VDOT Customer Service Center 24 hours a day with questions or to report hazardous road conditions: my.vdot.virgina.gov.
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle at all times.
- Learn more on VDOT’s winter weather page.
