Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a weather state of emergency for the winter storm that has impacted all of the commonwealth this past weekend and into this week, and he is urging Virginians, visitors and travelers to take proper precautions.
“I am declaring a state of emergency for the winter storm currently impacting Virginia that started Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” said Youngkin.
“If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe,” he said. “Our pre-treating (road) preparations are under way and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the week.”
Current weather forecasts project an impactful winter event, including snow and freezing rain, which began Sunday and continued into this week. With projected amounts of precipitation varying across the state, snow along with freezing rain will be significant enough to impact travel across a broad area, said Youngkin.
Bitterly cold temperatures are also expected this week following the winter event with daytime highs potentially remaining below freezing. Gale watches are in effect for Friday night through Saturday along the coast. Winds will increase again later this week.
Local VDOT personnel have been working tirelessly on county roads to keep them open. A main concern is that about two inches of snow fell on Middlesex County Sunday night with the snow changing over early on Monday to rain and sleet. The snowfall amount surpasses any seen in the prior two Middlesex winters.
With expected plummeting temperatures below freezing, it could create black ice and ice spots on county roads. VDOT is encouraging all motorists to drive with caution.
