A frigid arctic air mass is set to move into the greater Williamsburg area Thursday and Friday, bringing the nightly low temperatures down to the upper-teens and the windchill to the single digits, according to the National Weather Service.
‘Polar-vortex’ is a used term to describe an air mass that typically would stay over North pole, but occasionally surges southward into broad swathes of North America, Europe, and Asia, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
James City County will be offering warming centers to help the public cope with the dangerous cold. The James City County Recreation Center, Human Services Center, and Williamsburg Library will be open during regular business hours to help locals keep warm. Find the hours of operations for the centers here.
Williamsburg Quarterpath Recreation Center will also be open as a warming center during its normal hours.
The National Weather Service recommends checking the forecast, adjusting your schedule to avoid the coldest part of the day, and preparing your property for the freezing cold
The Community of Faith Mission operates a winter shelter program with a 25-person capacity between many Williamsburg area churches. Find out more information about the overnight sheltering program here.
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers crisis assistance to households that meet the requirements and are at threat of having their heat shut off. Find more information about the statewide program here.
