Tips for ordering food delivery during Richmond's storm

Driving the news: Most of the delivery apps have severe weather protocols, per an Axios review of their policies.

• DoorDash, Instacart and Grubhub say they could pause service or cancel orders based on hazardous weather, road conditions and/or guidance from local authorities.

Yes, but: Even if you can order delivery during inclement weather, should you?

• Yes — with caveats, say drivers in online forums.

Third-party delivery drivers are independent contractors, so they can choose when they work.

• And many say they welcome working in extreme weather because it usually means better tips — a key caveat of their "yes, you can order" response.

Zoom in: If you do order, here's what you should do, per their posts.

• Tip well — over 20%.
• Make sure your lights are on.
• Clear them a path by shoveling and/or salting your walkways.

• Be patient. There will likely be fewer drivers working and dicey road conditions, so it could take longer than normal for your food to arrive.
• Be flexible. Your favorite neighborhood restaurant might be offline due their own staffing issues or safety protocols.

The bottom line: If you find yourself hungry during the winter storm, it could be a sNOw-go. If it's not, be kind and tip well.