Governor Youngkin Issues Winter Storm Travel Advisory for Virginians
Governor Glenn Youngkin advises Virginians not to travel if they are not at their destinations by midnight due to an incoming winter storm. Emergency resources are being deployed across the state, with forecasts predicting significant snow accumulation and ongoing power outages affecting many areas.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a straightforward message for Virginians: “If you’re not where you need to be by midnight, don’t go.” This guidance was emphasized during a press conference aimed at urging citizens to stay vigilant in preparation for an impending winter storm. The governor requested that individuals make way for treatment trucks on Tuesday to facilitate effective roadway preparation for the expected snowfall on Wednesday.
Youngkin highlighted that his emergency declaration from the previous week’s winter conditions remains active. He stated, “If there wasn’t one that had already been declared, I would be declaring one today.” The anticipated snowstorm is predicted to be severe, affecting a significant portion of the state.
The governor also noted that many regions in Virginia are still coping with power outages resulting from the recent winter weather and flooding. For context, the state experienced 315,000 outages during Hurricane Helene in September, while over the past week, the peak number of outages reached 450,000 due to ice.
Virginia is reallocating resources across the state, particularly to areas on the Eastern Shore that are lacking snow removal equipment. Emergency personnel and equipment, which were utilized during the floods in Southwest Virginia over the past weekend, will remain in those areas to address the incoming snowstorm. This includes deployment from the National Guard and additional resources to Lynchburg, Richmond, and Southside Virginia.
The entire state is preparing for a significant snowfall on Wednesday, with Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings issued from Wise to Richmond and beyond. Forecasts predict between two to six inches of snow accumulation, with localized regions, especially in far Southwest Virginia, expected to receive even heavier snowfall.
In summary, Governor Glenn Youngkin urges Virginians to avoid travel if they have not reached their destinations by midnight in anticipation of an impending winter storm. The state is facing power outage challenges and reallocating emergency resources to address this new severe weather. Citizens are advised to heed the warnings and stay prepared as snowfall is expected across various regions.
Original Source: www.wvtf.org
