{"id":12579,"date":"2025-02-11T11:58:16","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T16:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=12579"},"modified":"2025-03-10T09:21:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T13:21:46","slug":"winter-storm-february-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/winter-storm-february-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Storm and Southwest Flooding Response February 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Preparedness<\/a> \u2666 Winter Safety<\/a> \u2666 Power Outage<\/a> \u2666 Boil Water Advisory<\/a>
\nFlood Water Safety<\/a> \u2666 Private Well Safety<\/a> \u2666 Pharmacy Waiver<\/a><\/p>\n

On February 10, Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency<\/a> in advance of the impending winter weather that impacted the state on February 11-12. Another winter storm brought significant snow to much of Virginia\u00a0 February 19-20. The Virginia Department of Health offers these winter safety tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On February 15-16, southwest Virginia experienced flooding and flash flooding<\/a>. Flood Warnings remain in effect for several rivers in the Commonwealth. The Office of Environmental Health Services is monitoring flooding impacts to environmental health, to include shellfish harvesting waters. Due to flooding, VDH closed portions of the James River to shellfish harvesting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Buchanan and Wise counties have issued boil water advisories. For boil water instructions and safety tips, click here<\/a>. Private well owners should follow these safety tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Cold<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Boil Water Advisories<\/h3>
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No current advisories.<\/p>\n

For more information about public water or public sewer, contact the owner of the utility that provides that service to you (e.g., the utility that sends you a monthly water\/sewer bill).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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If under a boil water advisory, residents can safely use the water supply for bathing, toilet flushing, laundry, and other uses not associated with consumption or ingestion.<\/p>\n

Do not<\/strong> use the water for activities associated with consumption, including drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), dishwashing, cleaning food contact surfaces, making ice or coffee, and brushing teeth. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor children who take a bath to avoid ingestion at this time.<\/p>\n

\"During\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"\u00bfSabe<\/p>\n

Drinking and cooking<\/h3>\n

Use commercially bottled water or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food.<\/p>\n

Breastfeeding is the\u00a0best option for feeding an infant<\/a>. If you feed your child formula, provide ready-to-use formula if possible.<\/p>\n

Handwashing<\/h3>\n

In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to\u00a0wash your hands<\/a>\u00a0during a boil water advisory. Follow the advice from your local officials.<\/p>\n

Bathing and showering<\/h3>\n

There is no need to boil water for bathing or showering. Adults, teens, and older children, can shower or bathe, though they should avoid getting water in the mouth or swallowing the water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.<\/p>\n

However, care should be taken to prevent water from getting into deep open or post-surgical wounds. Consult your physician or health care provider for wound care instructions.<\/p>\n

Brushing teeth<\/h3>\n

Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.<\/p>\n

Washing dishes<\/h3>\n

If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.<\/p>\n

Sanitize<\/a>\u00a0all baby bottles.<\/p>\n

Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150\u00b0F (66\u00b0C). Check the manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what temperature your dishwater reaches.<\/p>\n

To wash dishes by hand:<\/p>\n

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  1. Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.<\/li>\n
  2. In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.<\/li>\n
  3. Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.<\/li>\n
  4. Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Laundry<\/h3>\n

    It is safe to wash clothes as usual.<\/p>\n

    Cleaning<\/h3>\n

    Clean washable toys and surfaces with:<\/p>\n