01/25/2026
A MESSAGE FROM SAM SANDERS, CITY MANAGER: Dear Neighbors
I wanted to reach out to you directly this afternoon as our community prepares for a significant winter storm.
Earlier today, I declared a local emergency so the City can fully activate our resources and respond quickly as conditions deteriorate. I want you to hear this straight from me and understand the plan moving forward – and I’m asking for your help in sharing accurate information with your neighbors.
Here’s what you need to know:
City pretreatment operations began last night at 7:00 p.m. and crews have been working throughout the day to prepare roadways and priority areas.
Our Day Team has completed final equipment and readiness checks, and our Night Team will take over as the primary impacts begin late this evening and overnight.
We are expecting dangerous travel conditions, especially due to ice accumulation. I am strongly urging residents to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary so our crews and emergency responders can do their jobs safely.
If there is a power outage, any intersection without a working traffic signal should be treated as a four-way stop.
There will be service impacts:
Charlottesville Area Transit is ending service early tonight. And as you know we don’t currently offer Sunday service, but our CAT team will be working to ensure we can resume operations as soon as possible and we’re hoping that will be at some time on Monday.
There are changes to trash, recycling, leaf collection, and Parks and Recreation center hours.
The most up-to-date information will always be posted on the City’s website and official social media channels.
I’m sure you are fielding questions from your neighbors. I’m grateful for that. You are trusted voices in your communities, and your help sharing accurate, timely information truly makes a difference, especially during events like this.
Please continue to encourage neighbors to stay informed, stay off the roads, and check on one another where it’s safe to do so. If you need information or clarification, my team and I are here to support you.
Stay warm and hunker down. Sam
Resources:
Storm & Community Resources
City of Charlottesville Snow Operations & Updates
https://www.charlottesville.gov
City Social Media (real-time updates)
Facebook: charlottesvillecityhall
Instagram: cvillecityhall
Virginia 211 (community resources, shelter, food, and assistance)
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-230-6977
https://www.211virginia.org
Virginia 511 – Road Conditions
https://www.511virginia.org
Dominion Energy Outage Information
866-366-4357
https://www.dominionenergy.com/outages
Non-Emergency Police Assistance
434-977-9041
Emergency Services
911
Warming Center
Clemons Library on the University of Virginia Grounds
Hours:
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Shelters
PACEM
24/7 operations on Sunday and Monday
Men’s Shelter @ University Baptist Church – 1223 W. Main Street
Women’s Shelter @ Belmont Baptist Church – 830 Monticello Avenue
Salvation Army
24/7 operations
Warm Rooms open for men and women (supported by PACEM)
Meals will be maintained as regularly scheduled
The Haven
Emergency operations have been activated to include extension of hours for sheltering and additional supports provided to those in shelter
Samuel Sanders, Jr
City Manager
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3101| [email protected]
Be prepared and stay safe in the event of a power outage. Make a report, get updates, check status, view the outage map, and sign up for text and email alerts in Virginia.
