January 2026 Winter Storm

Power Outages & Electric Utilities

Dominion Energy

• Report/Check Outages: 1‑866‑DOM‑HELP (1‑866‑366‑4357)  
• Customer Service: 1‑866‑366‑4357  
• Online Outage Map & Reporting:https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency

Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC)

• Report Outages (24/7): 1‑866‑878‑5514  
• Customer Service: 1‑800‑552‑2118  
• Online Outage Center & Map:https://www.sec.coop/outage-center

If you see downed power lines, stay far away and call 911 immediately.

Weather Information

National Weather Service – Richmond/Pleasant Hill Office

• Website:https://www.weather.gov/akq/
  (Covers the Richmond/Powhatan region)  
• Check for: forecasts, winter storm watches/warnings, ice/snow accumulations, and wind chill advisories.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) – Winter Weather

• Winter Weather Preparedness & Safety:https://www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather/  
• Find preparedness checklists, emergency kit guidance, and information on winter storm alerts.

Road Conditions & VDOT Information

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

• Virginia 511 – Road Conditions & Traffic:
  • Website: https://www.511virginia.org/  
  • Phone (Virginia): 5‑1‑1

• Report Road Hazards/Issues: 
  • Customer Service Center (24/7): 1‑800‑367‑7623 (1‑800‑FOR‑ROAD)

Please do not call 911 for road condition information use only in an emergency.

Staying Safe and Warm During Winter Weather

At Home

• Prepare an Emergency Kit

  • Flashlights and extra batteries  
  • Battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio  
  • First-aid supplies and needed medications  
  • Extra blankets, warm clothing, and sleeping bags  
  • Non‑perishable food and bottled water (at least 3 days’ supply)

• If the Power Goes Out

  • Use flashlights, not candles, to reduce fire risk.  
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible.  
  • Use generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.  
  • Never use gas ovens, grills, or camp stoves to heat your home.

• Stay Warm Safely

  • Wear layers of loose‑fitting, warm clothing.  
  • Close off unused rooms to conserve heat.  
  • Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and those with medical needs.

On the Road

• Avoid travel during snow/ice when possible.  
• If you must drive:
  • Slow down and increase following distance.  
  • Keep an emergency car kit (blankets, water, snacks, phone charger, scraper, shovel, sand/kitty litter, flashlight).  
  • Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle (windows, roof, lights).  
  • Let someone know your route and expected arrival time.

Additional Reminders

• Call 911 only for life‑threatening emergencies.  
• For non‑emergency public safety concerns in Powhatan County, use the appropriate non‑emergency numbers listed on the main county website.  
• Stay tuned to local media, the National Weather Service, and official Powhatan County communications for updates during winter weather events.