Governor Youngkin Advises Virginians to Stay Safe Ahead of Coming Winter Storm
Governor Glenn Youngkin has asked Virginians to prioritize safety as another winter storm approaches, advising against travel if not at home by midnight. He has declared a state of emergency, highlighting the impact of recent outages. Resources are being redistributed across the state to address snow removal and prepare for the storm, which is expected to bring significant snowfall.
During a recent press conference, Governor Glenn Youngkin conveyed a crucial message to Virginians: “If you are not where you need to be by midnight, do not go.” This advisory comes in light of an impending winter storm, emphasizing the importance of staying safe and allowing snow treatment trucks to efficiently prepare the roadways. Youngkin reiterated that the state remains under an emergency declaration from the recent severe weather.
The governor highlighted the impact of previous weather incidents, noting that Virginia experienced significant power outages recently—450,000 at peak during an ice storm, which surpasses the 315,000 outages seen during Hurricane Helene. He expressed concerns about the upcoming snowstorm, predicting that it will severely affect a vast majority of the state.
In response, state resources are being reallocated, particularly to regions like the Eastern Shore that are less equipped for snow removal. Emergency personnel, including National Guard units deployed for last weekend’s flooding in Southwest Virginia, will remain in those areas to assist with the anticipated snowfall. Final preparations are underway in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Southside Virginia as well.
Forecasts predict a comprehensive snow event across Virginia, with Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings in effect from Wise to Richmond and beyond. Residents can expect two to six inches of snow accumulation, with some areas in far Southwest Virginia potentially receiving even higher amounts.
Governor Glenn Youngkin urges Virginians to prioritize safety as another winter storm approaches. His message is clear: avoid unnecessary travel and respect treatment operations on roadways. With substantial resource mobilization and ongoing emergency declarations, state officials are preparing for the storm’s potential impact, ensuring communities are supported amid adverse weather conditions.
Original Source: www.wvtf.org
