> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Propane, water are hot items as Richmonders stock up ahead of storm
- URL: https://www.richmonder.org/propane-water-are-hot-items-as-richmonders-stock-up-ahead-of-storm/
- Published: 2026-01-24T18:43:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-24T18:44:01.000Z
- Description: FEMA mobilized in Virginia ahead of the storm's expected Saturday night arrival.
- Author: Michael Phillips
- Tags: Weather

Stores across the area struggled to keep pace with demand on Saturday morning as shoppers made their final preparations before a severe winter storm arrives.

Grocery stores and home improvement stores had full parking lots and long lines. Propane supplies were low or out at most home improvement stores – the gas is used to power some emergency generators.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6002-1.jpeg)

Drivers waited in a line that stretched down the block for propane at Southern States. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder)

After last year's winter storm knocked out the city's water supply for a week, bottled water has also been a hard item to find over the last two days.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued its final forecast this morning, calling for 5.4 inches of snow in Richmond.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-24-at-1.35.23---PM.png)

More importantly, the precipitation will turn to ice on Sunday morning, which could result in downed power lines across the area.

The NWS is forecasting a quarter-inch to a half-inch of ice, a difference that could be significant in determining how many Richmonders lose power.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-24-at-1.35.51---PM.png)

Most stores are adjusting hours or closing entirely on Sunday.

FEMA mobilized in Virginia ahead of the storm's expected Saturday night arrival.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula declared a state of emergency on Friday, and the city has also opened The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, for those who need it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/01/IMG_5970-1.jpeg)

Bread options were limited at the Carytown Publix.

Temperatures will remain below freezing for the first part of the week, which will limit how much thawing takes place.

*Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.*

## Sign up for The Richmonder

Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/)

Sign up 

Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. 

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.