LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) – The City of Lynchburg has announced the opening of additional warming centers as they brace for the area to prepare for up to six inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 25mph.
The Salvation Army will be open this evening, Friday, January 10, and continuing into Saturday, January 11 with up to six inches of snow predicted and wind gusts of up to 25mph on Saturday.
The city suggests area residents not to travel unless necessary and to use extreme caution when doing so. Only call 911 in an emergency.
WARMING CENTER
The Salvation Army, 2215 Park Avenue, will now open its low-barrier warming center each evening for unsheltered individuals and families in the community when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. The warming center will remain open during the day on Saturday, January 11.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works is prepared for this event and will have crews working 12-hour shifts with spreader and plow operations conducted as needed.
As always, priority will be placed on primary and secondary roads with plowing of residential streets conducted only if two inches or more of snow accumulation occurs. Based on the forecast of more than two inches of snow, it is anticipated that residential streets will be plowed.
There is the expectation that snow will freeze to the pavement in some locations and will remain on streets even after plowing and salt applications.
Abandoned vehicles found parked on roadways during plowing operations will be towed per the Lynchburg Police Department.
PARKING
Please limit parking in the street. Many Lynchburg streets are very narrow, and vehicles parked on both sides of an already narrow street leave little room for plows and slow down the clearing of streets. If you have a driveway, please use it or coordinate with neighbors to voluntarily park on one side of the street.
To help facilitate more effective clearing of streets, downtown residents may park in City parking decks and lots beginning today, Friday, January 10 after 5:00 p.m. through Monday morning, January 13 at 8:00 a.m. During this time, regular parking enforcement operations will be suspended.
LYNCHBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT
For flight status information, visit https://flylyh.com/.
LYNCHBURG WATER RESOURCES
When temperatures fall below freezing, pipes can leak due to expanded, frozen water within. For tips on properly preparing indoor pipes and protecting them from freezing or breaking, visit https://www.lynchburgva.gov/554/Prevent-Freezing-Pipes. Residents who experience water service disruptions can call Lynchburg Water Resources at 434.455.4250.
LIBRARIES
The Main Branch of the Lynchburg Public Library, 2315 Memorial Avenue, will be open from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11. The Downtown Branch Library, 216 12th Street will be closed Saturday, January 11. All library programs scheduled for Saturday, January 11 have been canceled.
LYNCHBURG COMMUNITY MARKET
The Lynchburg Community Market, 1219 Main Street, will be closed on Saturday, January 11.
GLTC
Currently, GLTC bus service will operate on its normal schedule; however, delays and some detours may be established. Details are available at www.gltconline.com.
CONCORD TURNPIKE CONVENIENCE CENTER
The Concord Turnpike Convenience Center, 2525 Concord Turnpike, will be closed on Saturday, January 11.
SIGN UP FOR LYNCHBURG ALERTS
Get critical information about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Lynchburg Alerts notifications. This system enables you to receive critical information quickly in a variety of situations like severe weather, road closures, and more. To sign up or to update your existing information, visit https://www.lynchburgva.gov/212/Lynchburg-Alerts.
POWER OUTAGES
To report a power outage to Appalachian Power (AEP), call 1.800.956.4237. Outages can also be reported online by entering your zip code on the AEP website.
For more information and tips on what actions to take during a power outage, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages.
COLD WEATHER TIPS
The City of Lynchburg encourages everyone to protect themselves against serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. It is extremely important to take precautions when spending time outdoors as frostbite and hypothermia can be a real possibility. For tips on lowering your risk, please visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-during.
PET SAFETY
Don’t leave pets outdoors when temperatures drop. Animals can and do get frostbite and hypothermia, so keep them indoors if at all possible and provide plenty of food and water. Remember – if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets as well.
For more information on winter preparedness and dealing with extreme cold, visit https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather.