The cold weather and frigid winds coming into the area beginning Monday night have prompted announcements of delays and more.
The weather is supposed to bring wind chills to below zero throughout the morning on Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the Historic Triangle in effect until noon Tuesday.
Delays and Cancellations
- York County School Division: Two-hour delay.
- Williamsburg-James City County Schools: Two-hour delay. Outside activities will be canceled. All pre-school Bright Beginnings and high school GED morning classes are canceled. Transportation will not be provided for School of the Arts morning classes, vocational and technical education or Governor’s School.
- Williamsburg Christian Academy: Two-hour delay.
James City County, City of Williamsburg Warns Citizens of ‘Extreme Cold Weather’
County and city officials are urging citizens to remain indoors Tuesday morning due to the wind. Residents in need of a shelter can contact the Greater Williamsburg United Way at 229-2222.
The county offered the following tips to citizens:
- Wear cold weather appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.
- Stay dry, and if you become wet, remove any wet clothing immediately.
- Limit your time outdoors.
- Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
- If the heat in your home does not work properly, contact your local government to find a warming center near you.
The city reminded people to bring their pets inside or to provide warm shelter and unfrozen drinking water for outdoor pets. They also warned of the potential for frostbite, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.
If hypothermia — when someone is suffering an abnormally low body temperature — is suspected, take the person’s temperature; if it dips below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical attention. Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness could be signs of hypothermia. In infants, bright red, cold skin or low energy could be warning signs.