Governor declares state of emergency for winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Governor Ralph Northam Friday declared a state of emergency to prepare for a large winter storm hitting the Commonwealth this weekend, according to Northam’s team. It was one of Northam’s final acts before leaving office Saturday.

The forecast predicts large amounts of snow, sleet, and ice through Monday, impacting a majority of Virginia. Some areas in Southwest Virginia are predicted to get up to a foot of snow.

“We expect this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Virginia,” Northam said. “Declaring a state of emergency now allows our emergency responders to prepare, and to move supplies and equipment where they expect to need them the most. This also gives Governor-elect Youngkin the ability to respond to any storm needs swiftly. I urge Virginians to take this storm seriously and make preparations now.”

Northam and state emergency officials conducted a preparation call Friday morning with Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin and his team.

The weather is likely to produce downed trees, electrical outages, and significant impacts on travel conditions.