2026 Regional News Releases Archives

March 11, 2026
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Public Information Officer, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov, (757) 594-7411

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather
Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – As spring approaches, warmer temperatures return — and so does the risk of severe weather. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed March 9-13, the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) urge you to plan ahead before storms strike.

Spring storms can bring a variety of severe weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms with lightning and flooding. The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offers tips to keep you safe during severe weather events.

“Severe weather doesn’t wait until we’re ready and it can impact any community on the Peninsula, often with little warning,” said HPHD’s Local Emergency Coordinator, Mariel Waller. “We encourage everyone to take time to understand severe weather risks, make a plan with their loved ones, and stay informed so they can respond quickly when seconds count.”

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can form with little or no warning and bring winds more than 200 miles per hour.

If you are indoors:

Go to a basement or storm shelter.
If you do not have a basement, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Do not stay in a mobile home.
Remain sheltered until you are sure the storm has passed.

If you are outdoors:

Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
If driving, go to the nearest safe structure if possible.
If no shelter is available, lie in a low area away from trees and objects that could become airborne.
Do not shelter under bridges or overpasses.

Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 9:45 a.m.. Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate and practice their safety procedures.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms can form quickly, bringing strong winds and dangerous lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.

To stay safe:

Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items before storms.
Go indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning, and bring pets inside.
Stay away from windows.
Avoid using electronics or anything plugged into an outlet.
Stay out of showers and away from plumbing.
Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.

If you cannot get indoors, avoid water, tall trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

Flooding

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater can contain debris, chemicals, and other hazards.

Key safety reminders:

Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
Avoid bridges over fast‑moving water.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for you to review safety plans, refresh emergency kits, and learn how to stay informed before storms strike. Severe weather can develop quickly. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your family.

Have a plan. Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather occurs. Make sure everyone knows the safest places in your home and how to communicate during an emergency. You can create a family emergency plan online.
Build an emergency kit. A disaster supplies kit includes the basic items your household may need if you must shelter in place for several days. This may include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Guidance on what to include and where to store your kit is available at gov.
Stay informed. Reliable alerts save lives. Use a weather radio, the FEMA app, or local alert systems to receive timely warnings. Check the settings on your mobile device to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make sure you understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know when to take action.

If you have questions about weather safety, please contact the Hampton Health District at (757) 727-1172 and the Peninsula Health District at (757) 594-7300.

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January 21, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges the Community to Prepare for Incoming Winter Storm

STAUNTON, Va. – The Shenandoah Valley is expected to be impacted by severe winter weather, to include snow and ice this coming weekend. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) urges you to prepare now to keep you and your family safe, warm, and healthy during this storm.

“Being prepared for winter weather makes all the difference when a storm hits,” says Xavier Crockett, Health Director for CSHD. “We’re encouraging everyone to have emergency supplies at home, and to stay off the roads if they can, especially in our more rural counties.”

Before the Storm

Before the storm arrives, the Central Shenandoah Health District urges you to take these steps:

Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car.
Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide
Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.
Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows.
Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.

During/After the Storm

Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.
Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.
Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.
Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.
Check on neighbors and family.

If you must go outside, take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes.
Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages.
Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
Stay off the roads. If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The Central Shenandoah Health District wants you to stay warm, safe, and healthy! For more information, contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.