Jan. 23, 2026 – In anticipation of the approaching, significant winter storm, Staunton City Manager Leslie Beauregard has declared a local emergency, effective immediately. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for our area by the National Weather Service.
The declaration of a local emergency allows the city’s director of emergency management to determine the use of materials, goods, services, and resource systems during an emergency situation, which includes calling upon the National Guard for assistance. The declaration also activates the city’s Emergency Operations Plan.
“This declaration removes any barriers to our response efforts and allows us to mobilize additional resources, if necessary,” said City Manager Leslie Beauregard. “Our primary focus is public safety. With the potential for heavy snow and ice, restoring normal conditions will take time. We are fully staffed and ready, but we need residents to avoid travel so our plows and emergency vehicles can navigate the city effectively.”
City Services and Facilities
The Staunton Public Library will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25, due to the anticipated winter storm. At this time, no additional facility closures or service delays, such as trash collection, have been confirmed; however, further delays or closures are likely based on the weather forecast. The city will continue to provide updates as the winter storm evolves.
Important Reminders
- Parking Restrictions: To make snow removal more efficient and thorough, street parking will be prohibited in the following downtown areas beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, at noon (map):
- Beverley Street from Lewis Street to Market Street
- New Street from Johnson Street to Frederick Street
- Central Avenue from Frederick Street to Johnson Street
- Park vehicles off city streets: Where possible, please park in driveways or garages to make snow removal more efficient.
- Free Public Parking: Free parking will be available in the New Street and Johnson Street parking garages beginning Friday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m., and will remain free until snow removal is completed in the Downtown Central Business District. Avoid parking on the upper decks, if possible, to assist crews.
- Please be patient: City services and local transit will likely be delayed or unavailable. Clearing substantial snow accumulations across the city will require more time than usual.
- Be prepared and stay safe: Review VDEM snow prep and safety tips.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for Staunton Alert Message and city news updates. The city will post updates on the city’s website and to the city’s social media pages.
- Keep snow out of the street: Do not shovel snow from sidewalks or driveways into the roadway. Businesses are reminded not to move snow from their parking lots on to the sidewalks.
- Snow, Sleet, and Ice Removal: City Code requires that residents and business owners clear public sidewalks bordering their home or business. The length of time for removal is dependent on the total snowfall. When the snowfall ends, the city will push out an update clarifying the timeframe.
Contact Us
- In an emergency, call 911
- Public Works: 540.332.3892
- Staunton Public Library: 540.332.3902
- City Hall: 540.332.3812
