Wakefield, VA – As cold temperatures grip Virginia, the National Weather Service is urging residents to avoid walking on frozen bodies of water, warning that the ice may appear solid but is dangerously thin.
According to the National Weather Service office in Wakefield, icy conditions have formed on puddles, ponds, creeks, and even some rivers across eastern and central Virginia. Despite their appearance, officials stress that these frozen surfaces are not strong enough to support a person’s weight and could quickly give way, leading to serious injury or worse.
“Even though bodies of water may look frozen, do not walk on them,” the agency said in a safety message issued Monday morning. “Temperatures have not been cold enough to create thick, supportive ice.”
The warning applies across multiple regions, including Hampton Roads, the Richmond metro area, the Middle Peninsula, the Northern Neck, Southside Virginia, and portions of northeast North Carolina.
In addition to thin ice hazards, the National Weather Service cautioned that roads and sidewalks may remain slick due to lingering snow, ice, and refreezing overnight. Residents are encouraged to wear footwear with proper traction and to walk cautiously, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Officials also warned about the risk of falling snow and ice from rooftops, which can break loose as temperatures fluctuate during the day.
Safety experts say children and pets are particularly vulnerable, as frozen ponds can look inviting but collapse without warning. If someone falls through ice, bystanders are advised to call 911 immediately rather than attempting a rescue on foot.
Residents are urged to continue monitoring local weather updates as winter conditions persist this week.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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