News Flash

City of Charlottesville Prepares for Significant Winter Storm; 24/7 Snow Operations Underway

* City News Alerts * Posted on January 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026

City of Charlottesville Prepares for Significant Winter Storm; 24/7 Snow Operations Underway

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA –  The City of Charlottesville is preparing for a potentially significant winter storm expected to impact the region this weekend. In advance of the storm, the City’s Snow Operations Team is moving into full operational readiness, including multiple 24-hour shifts, to support snow and ice response and protect public safety. 

The City is responsible for winter operations across approximately 165 centerline miles of roadway, 49 miles of sidewalks (including Safe Routes to School and City-owned properties), more than 45 municipal and school parking lots, City parks facilities, and the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. More than 165 City employees are assigned to snow operations, with 127 personnel directly involved in snow and ice removal. The City has more than 80 pieces of equipment available, including 25 dedicated snowplow trucks equipped with salt spreaders and brine tanks. 

Pretreatment and Snow Operations 
When conditions allow, crews will pretreat roadways with brine ahead of snowfall to reduce ice bonding and improve early response. Once precipitation begins, crews will transition to active plowing and additional treatment as needed. City snow vehicles are equipped with GPS to support route tracking and coordination throughout the storm. 

Snow Removal Priorities 
Snow response follows a priority plan. Crews will begin with primary routes, including major corridors and roads critical for emergency response and transit service. As and if conditions permit, crews will move to secondary routes and neighborhood streets. Crews will also focus on crosswalks and key pedestrian areas, including the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and Safe Routes to School corridors. 

Emergency Snow Routes and Parking Restrictions 
To support safe and effective snow removal, the City of Charlottesville may activate Emergency Snow Routes during significant winter storms. When activated, parking is prohibited on these routes, and vehicles left on the street may be towed to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles to operate safely. 

City Manager Sanders has activated designated Emergency Snow Routes, effective 9:00 AM Saturday, January 24. 

All vehicles must be removed from Emergency Snow Routes by 9:00 AM. Vehicles remaining after that time may be towed to allow crews to safely and efficiently clear roadways for emergency access and public travel. 

Designated Emergency Snow Routes include: 

  • Market Street (Old Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE) 
  • High Street (Preston Avenue to 9th Street NE) 
  • Water Street (Ridge Street to 10th Street NE) 
  • 2nd Street West (Market Street to Water Street) 
  • 4th Street East (Market Street to Water Street) 
  • West Main Street (Ridge Street to JPA) 
  • University Avenue (JPA to Rugby Road) 

A full list and additional details will be shared in a separate announcement later today. 

To reduce impacts, the City will offer complimentary parking at the Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage beginning Friday, January 23 at 6:00 PM through Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00 AM. 

If conditions change, the City may adjust or lift Emergency Snow Route restrictions and will provide public notice through official City communication channels. 

Sidewalk Snow Removal Requirements 
Per City Code Section 28-25, owners and occupants of properties that abut or front paved sidewalks are responsible for clearing snow, sleet, and ice from those sidewalks. 

Cleared sidewalks help ensure pedestrian safety and reduce the need for people to walk in roadways during winter conditions. Residents and businesses are encouraged to clear the full width of sidewalks—not just a shovel path—to allow safe passage for strollers, wheelchairs, and others with mobility needs. All sidewalks touching a property should be cleared in each direction to the street where applicable. When ice is present, salt or sand should be applied to reduce slipping hazards. 

The City will issue a public announcement advising when snowfall has ended and when sidewalk clearing requirements go into effect. Residents are also encouraged to use caution when shoveling and to assist neighbors who may have difficulty clearing snow. 

Public Safety and Travel 
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Drivers should stay off roadways whenever possible to allow crews the space needed to safely plow and treat icy conditions. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance, and use extra caution on hills, bridges, and shaded areas. Parking off-street when possible helps crews clear streets more efficiently. 

Before traveling, residents should check real-time road conditions at https://www.511virginia.org or by calling 511. 

Updates and Service Requests 
The City will share updates as conditions change through the City website banner, social media channels, and local media outlets. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at https://www.cua911.gov/alerts. .

Non-emergency winter-related issues can be reported through MyCville at https://www.charlottesville.gov/mycville. For emergencies, call 911. 

Winter Weather Safety Tips 

  • Stay informed: Monitor local weather alerts and updates. Subscribe to CUA 911 alerts at https://www.cua911.gov/alerts. .
  • Limit travel: Stay off roads during winter storms whenever possible and always yield to snowplows. 
  • Check road conditions: Visit https://www.511virginia.org or call 511 before traveling. 
  • Use generators safely: Never operate generators, grills, camp stoves, or fuel-burning devices inside homes, garages, basements, or enclosed spaces. 
  • Avoid overexertion: Shoveling snow can trigger heart attacks; take frequent breaks. 
  • Check on neighbors: Look in on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives during severe weather. 
  • Prevent frostbite: Protect exposed skin, especially hands, feet, and face; wear hats, mittens, and scarves. 
  • Stay dry and dress in layers: Wet clothing increases heat loss; multiple loose layers provide better insulation. 

Additional winter weather preparedness and safety information is available through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at https://www.vaemergency.gov. 

Power Outages 
Power outages should be reported directly to Dominion Energy at dominionenergy.com or by calling 866-366-4357. 

What to Do During a Power Outage 

  • Keep warm: Gather everyone in one room and wear layered clothing, hats, and blankets. 
  • Use fireplaces safely: Maintain a three-foot safety zone, use a sturdy screen, and place cooled ashes in a metal container away from the home. 
  • Protect your home: Lower thermostats, unplug electronics, leave one light on to signal when power returns, and keep faucets slightly open to prevent frozen pipes. 
  • Preserve food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. 

Residents should be aware that trash and recycling collection, City facility hours, and other municipal services may be delayed or modified due to weather conditions. Updates will be shared through official City channels. 

Transit service and school operations may be impacted by weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor Charlottesville Area Transit and Charlottesville City Schools for the latest updates. 

As winter weather approaches, the City encourages residents to stay safe, take care of one another, and check in on neighbors who may need extra support. 

Winter Weather Resources Recap 
Residents are encouraged to use the following resources for updates, safety information, and service requests during winter weather: 


Media Contact:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
media@charlottesville.gov