Virginia Declares State of Emergency as Winter Storm Approaches Mid-Atlantic
Virginia has declared a state of emergency due to an impending winter storm that is expected to deliver significant snow and ice accumulations, prompting travel warnings and school closures. The storm could result in power outages and severe road conditions, while other regions face similar adverse weather and flooding risks.
A significant winter storm is expected to impact the mid-Atlantic states, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in Virginia by Governor Glenn Youngkin. This storm will bring hazardous snow and ice accumulations, with forecasts predicting up to 10 inches of snow in some areas. Consequently, travel conditions will be perilous in Virginia and West Virginia through early Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potential power outages due to heavy ice accumulation, which is expected to be most severe in southwestern Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Schools and government offices across Virginia were closed in anticipation of the storm. The situation has prompted Appalachian Power to request additional support from neighboring utilities to address any electrical outages.
In addition to snow and ice, eastern Tennessee is bracing for increased flood risks, expecting up to 8 inches of rain by Sunday. Local authorities are taking preventive measures, including lowering water levels in lakes to mitigate runoff. Meanwhile, parts of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in northern Virginia have been closed due to hazardous conditions anticipated during the storm.
Cold temperatures are also being felt across wide areas of the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes. Tragically, it has been reported that two young children died from cold exposure in a van in Detroit, underlining the serious risks of the current weather conditions. In response to the severe cold, Multnomah County in Oregon opened several winter shelters and expanded outreach to help those without homes.
Further weather systems are on the horizon, including an atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rainfall and significant snowpack to California’s Sierra Nevada. The overall conditions signify a dangerous combination of frost, warming temperatures, and possible heavy precipitation in various regions, requiring vigilant monitoring from authorities and communities alike.
This winter storm poses serious threats to the mid-Atlantic region, particularly Virginia and West Virginia, with substantial snowfall and ice forecasts leading to emergency declarations. Local governments and utilities are mobilizing to address potential power and infrastructure issues. Additionally, significant weather patterns across the U.S. highlight the urgent need for continued preparedness and community support, especially for those facing homelessness in extreme conditions.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
