‘Please continue to be patient’: Ice remains Richmond’s biggest concern as cold weather drags on

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Even though Central Virginia didn’t see the snowfall that was expected, Richmond officials say the biggest threat right now is ice. Especially with freezing temperatures expected to stick around for several more days.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, City of Richmond leaders held a briefing to outline how they’re responding to lingering ice from last week’s storm. As well as how crews are preparing for continued cold weather and additional winter impacts.

Mayor Danny Avula said that the weather has created unique challenges that don’t disappear because the snow has stopped falling.

“What we had on top of that snow was an inch of ice — and that has been really challenging,” Avula said. “It’s difficult to plow ice. And with sustained cold temperatures of 20 degrees and below, salt doesn’t get activated.”

Due to this, Avula stated that some neighborhoods may appear untouched, even though city crews have been working around the clock.

“Nobody’s taking any breaks,” he said. “We’re absolutely doing everything we can.”

According to the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW), ice requires a different approach than snow removal, and progress depends heavily on temperature and sunlight.

DPW director Bobby Vincent said once treatment materials are applied, a road is considered treated, which does not mean it will immediately appear clear.

“Once we treat a road — when we put chemicals on that road — that road has been treated,” Vincent said. “A great deal of this comes down to temperature.”

Vincent added that crews have already reached more than 60% of neighborhoods and will continue working until every area has received some level of treatment.

“Any neighborhood that has not been treated — we are coming,” he said.

City officials emphasized that their first priority during extended winter weather is keeping emergency routes open.

The city's Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II said ensuring access for first responders is critical when conditions are this dangerous.

“The role of our crews is to ensure that emergency vehicles — ambulance, fire and buses — can move people around the city and respond to emergencies,” Donald said.

In addition to road conditions, officials acknowledged the toll the cold weather has taken on residents and said the city has also focused on protecting vulnerable residents.

"People are at the end of their rope,” Avula said. “It’s been a long week. People have been stuck and frustrated about getting back to normal life — and we will get there.”

With freezing temperatures continuing this weekend and ice lingering on roads and sidewalks, officials have urged residents to slow down, stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel when possible.

City leaders said crews will remain in monitoring mode through the week and adjust their response as temperatures rise.

“Please continue to be patient,” Avula said. “Take care of yourselves. Take care of your neighbors.”