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Henrico officials review Winter Storm Fern response as residents complain about clearing
Summary
County staff briefed the Board on Winter Storm Fern, detailing preparations, staffing and communications; several residents used public comment to complain about street clearing and school closures.
Henrico County officials briefed the Board Feb. 10 on the county—response to Winter Storm Fern, saying staff began coordinating with the National Weather Service in advance and deployed more than 500 personnel during the event. County Manager John A. Vithoulkas and Director of Public Works Terrell Hughes said closures of county buildings and prolonged low temperatures complicated clearing operations.
Benjamen A. Sheppard, director of public relations, described the county—s communications strategy during the event and asked residents to provide feedback via a survey link. Chief Jackson Baynard of the Division of Fire said public messaging about the dangers of playing on frozen ponds likely prevented injuries: "This messaging saved many lives because the ponds were frozen, but the ice could easily be broken," he said.
During public comment, multiple residents criticized the timing and thoroughness of street clearing and said extended school closures created hardships. The Board later unanimously approved a resolution ending the declared local emergency for the storm; Board members also approved related contracts for sewer and stream restoration and authorized a grant application for Short Pump improvements.
