Inclement Weather Update: Jan. 7, 2025
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
Our team continues to evaluate the impact of the winter storm. In addition to these challenges, a large portion of Hanover County is facing a significant challenge regarding Hanover County’s water supply, which affects many of our schools. At this time, please note the following:
Hanover County Water
As you may know, residents in the city of Richmond lost water service yesterday following the loss of power and subsequent malfunction to the city’s water reservoir system. Hanover County, along with Chesterfield and Henrico counties, water service was removed from the city’s water supply and transferred to an alternative water supply.
A short time ago,
our valued partners with Hanover County Government announced that the area of our county east of I-95 is under a water boil advisory. This means that those still with water should boil it before drinking or cooking as a precaution. This is not due to contamination but caused by low system pressure. The water outage is expected to last at least 24 hours, followed by a 48-hour boil water advisory once service is restored.
Hanover residents west of I-95 are asked to continue to conserve water (postpone doing laundry, taking shorter showers, limiting unnecessary toilet flushes, and delaying washing dishes if possible).
Please note that, in order to assist Hanover residents during this difficult time,
water distribution will take place at Atlee High School in the stadium parking lot and in the bus loop of Cold Harbor Elementary School from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. One case of water will be provided per family.
We strongly encourage you to follow Hanover County Government
on social media or check
their website for continuous updates throughout this matter.
The vast majority of our schools utilize Hanover County water service, meaning this impact on water service across our county greatly affects our operations. We rely upon this water to provide students and staff with food service, access to restrooms, and more.
Travel Conditions
Additionally, due to the impact of the winter storm,
travel conditions throughout Hanover County remain hazardous with uncleared, slick secondary roads throughout the county. These conditions are not expected to improve overnight due to freezing temperatures that are forecasted to be in the teens.
As we regularly share with you, the safety of our school community is our top priority. Simply put, travel conditions are not yet safe for our buses, student drivers, and staff.
***
As a result of both of these factors, HCPS will be CLOSED on Wednesday, January 8. Employees use Code 6. At the earliest possible time, only designated emergency personnel report to work. All other employees work remotely as able.
We understand this is disruptive and sincerely appreciate your patience as we work to make the best possible decisions for our students and staff. We hope that sharing this information well in advance is helpful to you as you begin to make the necessary arrangements.
As a reminder,
we offer several convenient ways for you to stay up-to-date with the latest closings or delays that may be necessary. Please take a moment to select the best option(s) for you and your family.
- Social media (
Facebook |
Instagram |
X) –
Find it here first!
-
ParentSquare – email, text, app, and phone notification system
-
HCPS website
- Local media outlets
As always, we appreciate your support. Thank you.
Stay safe and warm,
Hanover County Public Schools