Local State of Emergency, Citizens Asked to Prepare
The Louisa County Board of Supervisors declared a local State of Emergency in advance of the winter storm forecasted to begin in Louisa County on Saturday, January 24, 2026. A significant amount of snow with ice accumulation is anticipated to result in hazardous road conditions and possible power outages.
Citizens are asked to prepare and review the following information in advance of the impending weather.
Travel Conditions
The Virginia State Police is advising the public to avoid travel during and after the storm. If travel is absolutely necessary, give snowplows and responders the right of way. Arrive at a destination if possible prior to the storm to avoid being stranded en route and difficult for first responders to reach.
Check forecasts and road conditions before traveling by:
Checking National Weather Service Wakefield information.
Dialing 511.
Visiting http://511Virginia.org.
Downloading the 511 Virginia Traffic app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
Power Outages
The more information an electric service provider has about an outage, the faster they can respond and make the needed repairs.
Prepare to report and track power outages:
Set up an online account with the appropriate electric service provider (Dominion Energy, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, or Central Virginia Electric Cooperative) to make it easier to report and track power outages from any mobile device.
Bookmark the appropriate electric service provider’s website on a mobile device.
Dominion Energy: https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative: https://myrec.coop/outagecenter
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative: https://www.mycvec.com/report-outage
Ensure contact information with the appropriate electric service provider is up-to-date.
Fuel portable generators and review safety instructions carefully. Generators should never be operated indoors.
Emergency Kit
Put together an emergency kit that includes the following items:
Batteries, flashlights/lanterns
Cash (power outages could affect ATM machines)
Bottled water (1 gallon, per person, per day)
Non-perishable food
First aid kit, medications and hygiene items
Vehicle phone charger
Follow Updates
Sign up for emergency notifications (louisacounty.gov/alerts).
Download the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office app on the App Store or Google Play.
Follow Louisa County on Facebook or X.
Check alerts on the louisacounty.gov homepage.
Call 540-967-3496 for related information.
For more tips, please visit Ready.gov.
Waste Management
Should it be necessary to close the refuse and recycling sites, landfill, and county offices, an alert will be added to louisacounty.gov. Citizens wishing to receive email or text alerts may sign up on the county website for notifications (louisacounty.gov/alerts). Citizens are encouraged to dispose of waste prior to the storm.
County Preparations
Should an emergency shelter open, notifications will be sent through the county alert system. An alert will also be posted to louisacounty.gov and the Louisa County Facebook and X pages. Citizens are highly encouraged to sign up for alerts at louisacounty.gov/alerts. In the event an emergency shelter is opened, citizens wishing to utilize the service will be asked to bring their own medicine, hygiene products and snacks. In the event a shelter is opened, the opening information will include relevant details regarding if pets will be accepted.
Helpful Links
Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/forecastmaps
Dominion: https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency
REC: https://www.myrec.coop/
CVEC: https://www.mycvec.com/
Generator Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage/safe-generator-use.html
Additional Safety Tips: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
Emergency Notifications: https://www.louisacounty.com/2601/Alerts-Notifications
Louisa County Sheriff's Office App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/louisa-county-sheriffs-office/id1543791101 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.apexmobile.am0520
Louisa County on X: https://X.com/LouisaCountyVA
Louisa County Homepage: https://www.louisacounty.gov