State of Emergency Declaration Means More Resources for Winter Storm

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VDOT PlowsVirginia Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency at 8 a.m. Thursday, which will authorize state agencies to help local governments respond to the approaching winter storm that will impact the area Friday through Sunday.

As a result, residents should see round-the-clock Virginia Department of Transportation crews pretreating roads and up to 500 Virginia National Guard personnel on active duty at readiness centers in key locations across the commonwealth.

"The alert process to notify personnel to report for duty began Wednesday afternoon, and the Guard plans to have forces in place and ready to go by early evening on Thursday," a spokesperson said. "Potential missions for the Guard include transportation through heavy snow, downed tree removal, debris reduction and distribution of food, water and other supplies."

However, a state of emergency declaration does not automatically mean that school divisions are automatically closed. This decision are left to administrations to announce at their own discretion.

The governor is urging preparation for the approaching storm, which could dump over two feet of snow across the region, carry wind gusts of up to 50 mph, and include sleet and freezing rain. Residents should also prepare for power outages.

“Keeping Virginians safe in the event of severe weather is our top concern – that is why Virginia began preparing for severe winter weather yesterday by ordering more than 500 vehicles out to pretreat roads in Northern Virginia,” Governor McAuliffe said. “All Virginians should take the threat of this storm seriously and take necessary precautions now to ensure they are prepared for travel disruptions and possible power outages during a cold weather period.”

Furthermore, the Virginia State Police have all uniformed personnel and necessary specialty units ready to respond to traffic issues and storm-related emergencies.

"In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia,"  a spokesperson said. "This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses."

While no travel restrictions have been announced, the governor strongly encourages motorists to stay off the roads during the storm.

More information about the Commonwealth’s response efforts can be found here.

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