Virginia Natural Gas urges customers to prepare for another weekend winter storm

Company shares safety tips as rapidly developing coastal system threatens heavy snow and dangerous cold across Virginia

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – January 29, 2026 – Following Winter Storm Fern, which brought lighter impacts to the region than first expected, Virginia Natural Gas is urging customers across Hampton Roads to stay alert and prepare for another round of potentially severe winter weather forecast to arrive this weekend.

An approaching coastal system could intensify rapidly from Friday night into Saturday, bringing significant snowfall, dangerous wind chills and prolonged subfreezing temperatures across Virginia. Virginia Natural Gas encourages customers to take steps now to keep their homes, families and communities safe.

“As we head into another winter storm, our focus stays on keeping customers safe,” said Shannon Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas. “Weather can be unpredictable, but our readiness is not. We work around the clock to keep our customers and communities warm and safe no matter the conditions.”

Winter Weather Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe

Gas meter safety

• Locate your gas meter ahead of the storm so you can check it easily afterward.
• Keep the meter area clear. Once conditions are safe, brush away snow with a broom, not a shovel.
• Check outdoor vents and air intakes to make sure snow, ice or debris are not blocking airflow.
• If your gas meter is damaged or an underground gas line becomes exposed, leave the area.
  • Call 911 and the 24‑hour emergency response line at 877.572.3342 from a safe location.

Preventing damage to utility lines

• Winter storms can knock over trees or heavy limbs. Before removing fallen trees, call 8‑1‑1 to have underground utility lines marked to prevent accidental strikes.

Home heating and appliance safety

• Do not use natural gas appliances such as ovens or stovetops to heat your home.
• Keep your natural gas service on during a storm. Most appliances have built‑in safety valves that shut off gas flow automatically if the pilot light goes out.

Carbon monoxide safety

• Recognize signs of carbon monoxide (CO). It is odorless and can build up when appliances do not burn fuel properly.
• Symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Leave immediately and call 911 if you suspect CO.
• Check smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries if needed. Install CO detectors near bedrooms, not in kitchens or near furnaces.

Detecting natural gas leaks

• If you notice a rotten egg smell, leave right away and call 877.572.3342 from a safe location.
• Avoid creating sparks. Do not turn lights on or off or use phones or appliances inside the building.

Using natural gas generators safely

• Operate generators outdoors only, in well‑ventilated areas.
• Ensure continuous fuel supply by confirming your service line can support the generator’s load. Contact Virginia Natural Gas for guidance.
  
  

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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, the company celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Virginia Natural Gas is committed to resilient and sustainable fuel solutions that meet the growing needs of customers, communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also invests in interstate pipelines, provides asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and owns and operates natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757.616.7510 | Cell: 757.725.6916
mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html