Governor Youngkin Urges Virginians: “Don’t Go” Ahead of Incoming Winter Storm

Governor Glenn Youngkin advises Virginians to avoid travel if not safely at their destination by midnight ahead of a significant winter storm. He emphasizes the ongoing emergency response to previous weather challenges, reallocating resources, and warns of severe impacts throughout the state. Various areas are under winter weather advisories, with forecasts predicting substantial snow accumulation.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a critical message to the residents of Virginia in light of an impending winter storm: “If you’re not where you need to be by midnight, don’t go.” During a press conference, he emphasized the necessity for vigilance as the state braces for significant snowfall. Youngkin urged citizens to maintain clear roadways for snow treatment trucks to facilitate effective preparation ahead of the storm expected on Wednesday.

The governor noted that his emergency declaration from the previous winter weather event remains effective. He indicated, “If there wasn’t one that had already been declared, I would be declaring one today.” Youngkin warned that this forthcoming snowstorm is expected to be severe and will affect a large portion of the state.

Currently, many areas in Virginia are still recovering from power outages caused by severe winter weather and flooding experienced last week. For context, the state recorded 315,000 outages during Hurricane Helene in September, while the recent ice storm peaked at 450,000 outages.

Governor Youngkin mentioned that Virginia is reallocating resources statewide to address the anticipated snowstorm, particularly on the Eastern Shore, which lacks adequate snow removal equipment. Emergency personnel and equipment utilized during the flooding in Southwest Virginia will remain in that area to assist with snow removal efforts. Additional National Guard deployments are being directed to other critical areas, including Lynchburg, Richmond, and Southside Virginia.

The entire state of Virginia is anticipating a snow event on Wednesday, with Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings in effect from Wise to Richmond and beyond. Forecasts predict accumulations of two to six inches of snow, with some localized regions in far Southwest Virginia expected to receive even higher amounts.

In summary, Governor Glenn Youngkin has urged Virginians to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel as another winter storm approaches. His administration is actively preparing resources to manage the storm’s impact, especially in areas that have already faced significant challenges from previous weather events. Residents are advised to heed the emergency declarations and stay informed about the ongoing weather developments.

Original Source: www.wvtf.org