“Winter Storm Alert: Governor Glenn Youngkin Calls for State of Emergency in January”

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed a state of emergency in anticipation of the impending winter weather that will affect the entire Commonwealth this weekend and into the early part of next week. He is advising Virginians, visitors, and travelers to take necessary precautions. 

“I am announcing a state of emergency for the upcoming winter storm that is expected to affect Virginia starting Sunday. I urge all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to remain vigilant, keep an eye on weather forecasts, and prepare in advance for any possible impacts,” stated Governor Youngkin. “Considering the current estimated size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel arrangements have you departing on Sunday, I recommend altering those plans to depart on Saturday. If you must be on the road, heed any alerts and ensure you are safeguarding both yourself and others. Our pre-treatment efforts are in progress, and significant state and local resources will continue to closely monitor the forecast and respond throughout the weekend.” 

Forecasts indicate a significant winter weather event, involving snow and sleet, starting Sunday and extending into Monday. With anticipated quantities differing across the state, snowfall combined with freezing rain will be substantial enough to affect travel over a wide area. The primary impacts are expected on Sunday afternoon and evening, lasting into Monday. 

Extremely low temperatures are also predicted for the upcoming week after the winter event, with daytime highs possibly remaining below freezing for a considerable part of the week. Gale Watches are in place from Friday night through Saturday along the coastline. Winds are expected to lessen on Sunday and Monday but will pick up again later on Monday and Tuesday. 

State Agency Operations 

Virginia Department of Emergency Management 

VDEM is in constant communication with local governments and state agency partners to evaluate potential impacts and be prepared to grant any requests for aid. The Logistics Support and Coordination Center is poised to deploy emergency response resources and supplies as necessary to affected regions. The Virginia Emergency Support Team is monitoring the forecast and will be activating the state emergency operations center to manage activities related to the storm. 

Virginia Department of Transportation 

The safety of the traveling public and of the agency’s staff and partners is of utmost importance to VDOT. Crews are pre-treating bridges and roads in several areas and will be observing road conditions and treating as necessary. Travelers should closely monitor forecasts, official statements, and advisories and should minimize travel based on conditions. As holiday travel persists and students return to school, travelers should remain aware of road conditions along their entire route and plan their journeys according to the winter storm. Before traveling, motorists should visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, utilize the 511 Virginia mobile app, or call 511 while in Virginia for updates on road and traffic conditions. 

Virginia State Police 

Virginia State Police will be modifying the number of state troopers and supervisors operating on the roads Sunday and Monday due to the anticipated storm effects. To avert unnecessary traffic accidents on Virginia’s highways during the storm, state police advise residents to delay travel plans and refrain from driving until conditions improve. 

• Use headlights. Enhancing your visibility aids in avoiding slick and treacherous spots on the road, while also helping other drivers to see you more clearly.
• Reduce your speed. Although state police collaborates closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to pinpoint problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still need to adjust to current conditions. Slowing down provides you with additional time to safely react and avoid a collision. Operate your vehicle based on your capability to effectively maintain control.
• Avoid tailgating. Increased stopping distance is essential on slippery road surfaces. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front to prevent rear-end crashes.
• Buckle up.Most accidents that occur during inclement winter weather stem from vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road, or into other vehicles. Wearing your seatbelt protects you from being thrown around inside your vehicle and from suffering serious injuries in an accident.
• Inspect your vehicle.Ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition for the weather. Fill your fuel tank ahead of time. Check windshield wipers, fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Never leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger, and flashlight.

Virginia National Guard 

The Virginia National Guard maintains close coordination with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management regarding potential response operations due to the likelihood of severe winter weather. During domestic operations, when it is assessed that the VNG can best deliver the requested assistance, VDEM assigns the mission. The VNG contributes as part of a multi-agency team with other state and local entities to fulfill support capabilities requests from Virginia localities submitted through the VEST. 

Personal Preparedness Steps 

• During a winter storm, avoid traveling as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary. Always yield to snowplows and emergency responders.
• Never operate a generator, grill, camp stove or devices burning gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any other partially enclosed region.
• Shoveling snow is a known factor for heart attacks. Always refrain from overexerting yourself while shoveling.
• When severe weather strikes, plan to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and family members.
• If you must travel, be aware of road conditions before you depart from home.
• Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, access the 511 Virginia mobile app, or call 511 while in Virginia for updates on road and traffic conditions.
• Shield yourself against frostbite. Hands, feet, and face are the areas most commonly affected; thus, wear a hat, mittens (which keep you warmer than gloves), and cover your mouth with a scarf to minimize heat loss.
• Stay dry. Frequently change out of wet clothing to prevent loss of body heat.
• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of a single heavy layer.
• Prepare your residence
  • Ensure your home is adequately insulated
  • Examine the weather stripping around your windows and doors
  • Understand how to turn off water valves in the event of a pipe rupture
  • Keep alternative heat sources available in case of a power failure
  • Ensure a fire extinguisher is readily available
  • Annually replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm
• Get your vehicle ready
  • Batteries tend to lose charge as temperatures decrease, make sure to test yours
  • Examine your vehicle’s antifreeze levels
  • Have your radiator system checked
  • Switch your car’s windshield wiper fluid to a winter formula
  • Preemptively change your car’s worn-out tires and wiper blades
  • For better visibility, clear your car completely – include the trunk, roof, windows, and headlights
• Please pay attention to advisories against traveling. If you must be on the road, prepare your automobile and pack a kit for you and your passengers. This might comprise items such as:
  • Blankets
  • Water and snacks for everyone in the vehicle, including pets
  • Footwear
  • Basic first-aid supplies
  • Warm outer clothing and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, a hat, socks)
  • Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
  • A basic tool kit
  • Vehicle emergency warning items such as flares or reflectors
  • Ice scraper/snow brush
  • Jumper cables or a jump starter
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cash
  • Supplies for kids like diapers, baby wipes, toys, etc.
  • Flashlight with additional batteries
  • Hand warmers
  • Paper map
  • Portable phone charging bank
  • Extra medication
  • Trash bags
  • Traction aids such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter
  • Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
  • Shovel

To discover more about preparing yourself, your family, and your business for winter conditions, visit www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather. For real-time traffic updates anywhere across the state, call 5-1-1 or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov. 

Power Failures 

• To report a failure, please reach out to your service provider
• Contact your provider directly to find out about repair timelines
• For additional information and recommendations on what to do during a power outage, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Emergency Notifications 

Nowadays, emergency notifications can reach you through various channels–WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) via your mobile, EAS (Emergency Alert System) on television and radio, NOAA weather radio signals, mobile applications, and more. It is crucial to have multiple ways to receive emergency notifications and to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge before an emergency occurs. 

• Stay informed about the latest forecast and get notifications for any alerts, warnings, or advisories on the National Weather Service’s website
• Install the FEMA app and local news applications for severe weather alerts
• Enroll to receive notifications on your mobile, listen to your local weather radio station, or tune into your NOAA Weather Radio

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