Storm Coverage
Prince Edward County Emergency Management urges citizens to prepare for the upcoming winter weather, expected to impact our area beginning Saturday evening. There is significant potential for widespread and prolonged power outages due to forecasted ice accumulations.
Residents need to be prepared to shelter in place and be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours. Please have adequate food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a safe alternate heat source, if needed. Charge mobile devices in advance, limit travel and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
Preparedness now will help ensure safety throughout this event.
Please follow Prince Edward County on Facebook or check the county website for updated emergency information.
Winter Storm Fern, January 2026
| Time / Date |
Message |
| 5:00pm January 27 |
MODIFIED SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Prince Edward County Courthouse – OPEN AT 10:00 a.m.
County Courts & Government Offices – OPEN AT 10:00 a.m.
Piedmont Court Services – OPEN AT 10:00 a.m.
County Landfill – Open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. Last load accepted at 3:30 p.m.
County Convenience Sites:
- Prospect, Worsham, Rice and Tuggle – Open 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Virso, Green Bay and Darlington Heights – CLOSED
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| 5:00pm January 26 |
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY MODIFIED SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
 Prince Edward County Courthouse – OPEN AT NOONCounty Government Offices – OPEN AT NOON Piedmont Court Services – OPEN AT NOON Circuit Court – CLOSED Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court – OPEN AT NOON
General District Court:
Morning Docket - CANCELLED 1:00 Civil Docket - ON SCHEDULE
County Landfill
Open 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.. Last load accepted at 3:30
County Convenience Sites:
Worsham, Rice and Tuggle – Open 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m. Prospect, Virso, Green Bay and Darlington Heights - CLOSED
Animal Shelter – By appointment. Call 434-223-7310.
For additional information on the County’s Winter Weather response, please follow:
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| 5:00pm January 25 |
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY | MODIFIED SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
 Prince Edward County Courthouse – CLOSED
Circuit, General District, Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts – CLOSED
County Government Offices – CLOSED
Piedmont Court Services – CLOSED
County Convenience Sites – CLOSED
County Landfill – CLOSED
Animal Shelter – CLOSED
 Prince Edward County Emergency Management remains active, and county officials continue to monitor weather conditions and respond as community needs evolve.
If a need arises to open an emergency shelter or shelters, details will be announced as soon as they are finalized. The county is preparing for several potential scenarios.
Citizens are urged to limit travel as road conditions are currently dangerous and could worsen throughout the evening.
For additional information on the County’s storm response, please follow:
 Prince Edward County on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEdwardCo
Winter Storm Fern webpage: https://www.co.prince-edward.va.us/Departments/Emergency-Management/Winter-Storm-Fern-Preparation
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| 3:16pm January 25 |
The Prince Edward County Courthouse, all county courts and government offices, county convenience sites, the landfill and the animal shelter will be closed Monday, January 26th, due to this weekend's winter storm. Residents are urged to avoid travel and to prepare for likely power outages. Please continue to monitor the County Facebook page and Website for updates.
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| 10:00am January 25 |
All County Convenience Sites will be closed
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| 5:31pm January 24 |
Winter Storm Fern is HERE, and Prince Edward County Public Safety Agencies Are Ready! Are You?
The forecast is calling for significant winter weather, and your local first responders aren't taking any chances. While you are stocking up on bread and milk and making your preparations, our Law Enforcement, Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS Agencies have been working behind the scenes to ensure we can answer calls — no matter what the roads look like.
Our Mission: To be prepared to serve you.
 Chains & Tires: We are inspecting and fitting tire chains on all fire trucks and ambulances to safely navigate snow-covered and icy roads.
Full Tanks: Every vehicle, piece of apparatus and generator is topped off and operationally ready for an extended response period.
Pump Protection: We are treating pumps and water lines to prevent freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
Gear Check: We have tested all portable generators, chainsaws, and battery-operated rescue tools to ensure they engage the moment they are needed.
Staffing Up: We are fully staffed and coordinating with our off-duty and volunteer crews to ensure extra hands are available for storm-related emergencies.
 Your Mission: Help us help you! Be prepared, be ready! Stay warm, stay safe, and STAY HOME, if you can!
For additional information on the County’s storm response, please follow Prince Edward County on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEdwardCo
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| 5:20pm January 24 |
A big shout-out to the VDOT crews who will be out around the clock helping keep our roads as safe as possible during Winter Storm Fern. 
 Please stay home, if possible.  If you must travel, check VDOT 511 for road conditions.  Slow down and give snowplows plenty of space. Never pass a working plow.  We want everyone to stay safe.
Thank you, VDOT, for your service to our community!
|
| 1:49pm January 24 |
 Winter Storm Fern: Major Impacts Expected for Prince Edward County, VA.A powerful winter storm will hit our community this weekend, with dangerous conditions expected to last well into next week.
 What to Expect: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of Prince Edward County. The Governor has issued a Declaration of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The County of Prince Edward has issued a local Declaration of Local Emergency. On Sunday, significant ice accumulation on top of several inches of snow is likely, which can lead to catastrophic and widespread power outages, downed trees, and nearly impossible travel. Power outages could last for days in the hardest-hit areas. After the storm, bitterly cold temperatures will move in, making snow and ice linger even longer and slowing recovery.
Bottom Line:
This is a major to potentially extreme winter storm event. Impacts won’t end when the storm stops. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous well into next week.
Act Now:
Complete all ice storm and winter weather preparations immediately. Prepare for extended power outages, limited travel, and dangerous cold. Be ready to shelter in place for 72 hours. Stay home and stay safe.
|
| 1:40pm January 24 |
Animal Control Emergency Operations Update
Effective January 24, 2026 • 5:00 PM
Due to unsafe travel conditions, Prince Edward County Animal Control is operating under EMERGENCY-RESPONSE-ONLY protocols.
▪️Officers will respond only to immediate human life-safety situations.
▪️Report life-safety emergencies by calling 911.
▪️Limiting all travel helps protect the public and staff until roads are safe.
▪️Find a stray? If safe, please care for the animal until the shelter re-opens.
▪️Shelter Status -- Closed to the public likely through Tuesday (weather permitting).
▪️Animals in our care are receiving proper attention.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation. For additional information about the County’s storm response on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEdwardCo
See Animal Safety FAQs(PDF, 204KB) |
| 7:45pm January 23 |
With the onset of Winter Storm Fern late tomorrow afternoon, all county convenience sites will be closing be at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. The County does not expect convenience sites will reopen until Tuesday, at the earliest. As part of your storm preparations, we strongly encourage county residents to take your trash tomorrow!! |
| 1:15pm January 23 |
Please watch this space for late breaking news and important messages. The most recent news will be posted at the top. |
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