Virginia Weather: State of Emergency Declared By Gov. McAuliffe

RICHMOND, MD — With forecasts calling for some part of Virginia to get close to a foot of snow — although the DC metro area seems likely to receive 2 to 5 inches of snow and sleet — Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon. This includes putting National Guard units in place to help emergency responders reach people in areas with heavy snow.

McAuliffe urged Virginians to prepare for this major winter storm, which could dump up to a foot or more of snow in northern regions of the Commonwealth.

“Virginians may have enjoyed milder temperatures for the past several weeks, but the forecast is calling for winter weather to return to the Commonwealth this week with what could be a major winter storm for northern portions of the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “With this forecast in mind, all Virginians should take the necessary precautions now to ensure they are prepared for travel disruptions and possible power outages during a cold weather period.”

Officials urged Virginians to stay off the road Monday night and Tuesday. The brunt of this storm will be focused on the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia.

State VDOT, National Guard Actions:

• Virginia Department of Transportation crews have begun pretreating roads where temperatures permit. Drivers are asked to stay off the roads during the storm. For information about road and traffic conditions, check www.511virginia.org or call 511 before traveling.
• The Virginia State Police have units ready for response to the next round of increased volumes in traffic crashes, disabled vehicles, and other storm-related emergencies. Virginians are advised to plan ahead for slick, treacherous road conditions.
• The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 200 personnel to be staged across Northern Virginia to support requests for assistance. Expected missions for the Guard include using Humvees and light/medium tactical trucks to provide transportation for first responders through deep snow or help evacuate citizens in need of shelter as well as providing debris reduction teams with chain saws to help clear roads if needed.

What Residents Should Do:

• Stay off the roads during the storm unless travel is absolutely necessary. If travel is necessary, drive with caution and allow extra space around other vehicles.
• Use extreme caution around slow-moving equipment being used to treat roads, such as snow plows.
• If you have electric-dependent medical equipment, make sure all primary and backup batteries are fully charged. Make sure you have the medical supplies you will need for at least 72 hours.
• If you receive dialysis treatments or have other critical medical appointments during the week, make plans now for transportation or reschedule if possible.
• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter and is in safe driving condition. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food, cat litter or sand, shovel, flash light and batteries, ice scraper and cell phone charger.
• Check on elderly or neighbors who are unable to leave their homes, family, and friends to ensure they are ready for this storm and any possible inconveniences or interruptions that may result.
• Bring pets inside from the cold.
• Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours, in case roads are blocked and/or there are power outages.
• Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and extra batteries for emergency information. Listen to local weather forecasts and instructions from local officials.
• If you need help, information or resources during the storm, call 211. Those with hearing impairments can call 711 for the Virginia Relay Center and then call 1-800-230-6977. Out of state or videophone users may also dial 1-800-230-6977 for assistance.
• Download the free VDOT 511 app for updates on road conditions at: http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp.

»Photo from Gov. Terry McAuliffe's Twitter feed