Virginia Declares Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches Mid-Atlantic States

A potent winter storm is projected to impact the mid-Atlantic, notably Virginia and West Virginia, bringing significant snow and ice that may cause power outages and hazardous travel conditions. A state of emergency has been declared in Virginia, with schools and government offices closed. Preparations for potential flooding and severe cold weather are also underway across affected states.

As a significant winter storm approaches, the mid-Atlantic states are bracing for adverse weather conditions, with expectations of substantial snow and ice accumulation. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the potential for hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages. Forecasts indicate that travel will be particularly difficult in Virginia and West Virginia from Tuesday to early Wednesday.

In response to the impending storm, Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency in Virginia, empowering state agencies to provide assistance to local governments. As a precaution, schools and government offices across Virginia were closed on Tuesday. Northern and central Virginia, along with eastern West Virginia, are expecting up to ten inches of snow, while ice accumulations may cause additional challenges, increasing the risk of power outages and damage to trees.

The weather service’s office in Blacksburg, Virginia, emphasized the seriousness of the situation through a post on social media, stating, “Did you think winter was over? Think again!” Snow has already begun to mix with sleet in western Virginia and North Carolina, creating worsening road conditions that will continue throughout the day as freezing rain follows.

To prepare for possible outages, Appalachian Power, serving areas in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, has requested additional support from neighboring utilities. In East Tennessee, officials are also monitoring potential flooding, with rain forecasts suggesting up to eight inches of precipitation by the end of the week. Measures are being taken to manage watershed runoff and mitigate flood risks.

As part of the storm response, portions of the George Washington Memorial Parkway have been closed to prevent a repeat of previous incidents where stranded vehicles hindered snow clearance efforts. Winter storm warnings extend from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, and flood watches are in effect for several areas, while temperatures are expected to rise by Wednesday afternoon, changing the precipitation from snow and ice to rain.

Simultaneously, a separate weather system will move through the Great Lakes region, bringing heavy snow from the Midwest. Extreme cold weather is also a concern, with frigid Arctic air settling from Portland, Oregon, to the Great Lakes. Tragically, in Detroit, two young children likely died of cold exposure following a family’s struggle for shelter, underscoring the severity of the cold weather’s impacts.

In response to the cold, Multnomah County in Oregon is opening several severe weather shelters and enhancing outreach efforts to provide warm clothing and essential supplies for the homeless. With temperatures in the region nearing 20 degrees Fahrenheit, additional precautions and support are essential for vulnerable populations facing the winter conditions.

Adverse weather conditions are exacerbated in Montana, where temperatures may plummet to minus 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Local advocates are mobilizing to distribute essential cold weather gear to protect homeless individuals from harsh conditions. Further impacting areas along the west coast, meteorologists predict an atmospheric river will bring heavy rainfall and snowfall in California starting Thursday, enhancing a precarious situation for various regions affected by winter storms.

In summary, the mid-Atlantic region faces significant winter weather challenges with heavy snow and ice expected, prompting emergency responses and closures. In addition, concerns over flooding and cold exposure highlight the urgent need for community support and preparedness. The impact of these weather events is extensive, affecting travel, power supplies, and vulnerable populations across multiple states.

Original Source: www.pbs.org