Frigid Temperatures Persist Across the Region: Warming Shelters Open and Safety Precautions

Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.

Wednesday and Beyond

Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.

By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.

On Thursday, temperatures will begin to moderate slightly, with highs climbing above freezing for much of the lower terrain. However, the early morning hours will remain frigid, so caution is still advised.

Warming Shelters Open

Several warming shelters are available to help residents stay safe during the cold:

Town of Dumfries Comfort Station

• Location: Jeff Simpson Community Center, 1775 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026
• Dates & Times:
  • January 21, 2025: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • January 25, 2025: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Prince William County Hypothermia Shelters

StreetLight Ministries (Eastern Prince William County)

• Location: Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, 14716 Potomac Mills Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192
• Hours: Open nightly, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
• Contact: [email protected] or 703-227-7140

Manassas Baptist Church (Western Prince William County)

• Location: 8730 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA 20110
• Hours:
  • Monday – Sunday, 7:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8:30 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
• Contact: 571-277-0728

Manassas Park Warming Centers

• Manassas Park Community Center: 99 Adams Street, Manassas Park, VA
• Manassas Park City Library: 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
  These facilities provide short-term relief from the cold. Check their respective websites for operating hours.

Protecting Your Home: What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

With temperatures plunging, water pipes in homes across the region are at risk of freezing. Here’s what to do if you encounter frozen pipes:

• Turn on the nearest cold water faucet to relieve pressure caused by ice expanding in the pipes.
• Gradually thaw frozen pipes by wrapping towels soaked in warm water around them.
• Do not use a blow torch, hair dryer, or any direct heat source, as these can cause pipes to crack.
• For water or sewer emergencies, if served by Prince William Water, contact Prince William Water Emergency Dispatch at (703) 335-7982.

Stay Safe

Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, bundle up, and check on neighbors and vulnerable populations. Potomac Local News will provide updates as the situation develops.