Suffolk City Offices will remain closed today, Friday, January 5, as previously advised.  The Suffolk Visitor Center, Train Station, all Libraries, Suffolk Animal Control, and the Suffolk Executive Airport will remain closed through the weekend.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is continuing to share safety information for citizens following the impact of Winter Storm Grayson.   

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect and temperatures in Suffolk today will only reach 25 degrees during the day and we will once again have wind chills tonight as low as zero.  Saturday’s temperatures will remain below freezing with a high of 23 degrees.  Even with sunny, clear skies, conditions are not conducive for the melting of snow and ice as salt is ineffective at 15 degrees.    

As we have advised, Suffolk Public Works crews have been working around the clock since before the storm even arrived to keep our roads as clear as possible.  Since the onset of this weather event they have put down 1,805 tons of salt/abrasives.  Even with the treatment and plowing, ROADS ARE SLICK.  Due to continued extremely cold temperatures and icy conditions, MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO STAY OFF THE ROADS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.   By staying off the roads, transportation workers and public-safety officials can clear the roads and respond more quickly to emergency needs. 

If travel is absolutely necessary:

• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter and is in safe driving condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, cat litter or sand, shovel, flash light and batteries, ice scraper and cell phone charger.
• Let someone know where you are going and what route you’re taking.
• Remove all snow from your vehicle before driving.
• Drive with caution – Reduce your speed and increase following distances.
• Don’t crowd snow plows or emergency vehicles – give emergency crews plenty of room to work.
• Stay indoors and stay warm. Dress in layers and reduce exposure to the cold.
• With the bitter cold temperatures, the Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone that frostbite and hypothermia are serious concerns and urges us to dress appropriately for the cold weather. If spending time outside; monitor the time you and others are outside, especially children.
• If working outside, pace yourself; don’t over exert, take frequent breaks. Be sure to check on others, especially if they are older or infirm. Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia on the VDH website ---www.vdh.virginia.gov.
• If you have power-dependent medical equipment, keep all batteries at full charge in case you lose power.
• In a life threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 for help immediately
• Keep your cell phone charged in case of a power outage.
• Bring pets inside from the cold. If they do need to go outside try to minimize their exposure to cold weather.
• Use caution when shoveling snow
  • Limit your exposure to cold, stay hydrated, lift with your knees, and do not over-exert yourself
• Do not use charcoal, generators, grills or similar devices inside.
  • Use these devices outside if necessary, as intended, and do not connect generators to your home electrical system.
• Check on friends, family, neighbors, the elderly and those with medical needs.