Incelement Weather Message: Jan. 6, 2022

Incelement Weather Message: Jan. 6, 2022
Posted on 01/06/2022
HCPS LogoDear Families, Faculty, and Staff,

Our team has continued to carefully evaluate road and weather conditions throughout the day with the goal of reopening the school division tomorrow. While crews have made slight progress today, several roads in the western portion of Hanover County, which received upwards of 12 inches of snow in some areas earlier this week, remain hazardous and unsafe for travel due to downed and hanging trees, limbs, and power lines. In addition, nearly 3,000 homes in these areas are still without power, impacting their ability to access running water and heat, cook food, or access the internet. Although there has been significant melting, patches of snow and ice remain on a few secondary roads in these areas. These conditions impact an estimated 1,600 students and their families, 451 bus stops, and 40 bus routes. Additionally, this will also affect our student drivers, as well as limit our parents’ ability to transport their children in a timely manner and some of our staff’s ability to report to school.

The likelihood of another winter storm overnight, for which the Governor has already declared a state of emergency, further complicates the work to restore power and clear the roadways. As a result, HCPS will be CLOSED on Friday, January 7. This includes the Online School. Employees use Code 1. All faculty and staff plan to work from home.

While we understand that the majority of the hazardous conditions are in the west end, we operate as one school division, and any delay or closure will impact all of our schools, including our Online School.

We understand this continues to be disruptive and sincerely appreciate your patience as we work to make the best possible decisions for all our students and staff. Our goal is to reopen our schools as quickly and as safely as possible, and welcome our students back to school for the new year. We hope that sharing this information well in advance is helpful to you as you begin making the necessary arrangements.

Western Corridor families, as a reminder, our county government partners have made free potable water available at Poor Farm Park and the water station is open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. until power is restored. Please call (804) 537-6149 for information about the warming and charging shelter or follow the county’s Facebook page for updates.

Stay safe, warm, and healthy,

Chris Whitley
Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement and Legislative Affairs
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