RICHMOND, Va. β Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency for Virginia on Thursday ahead of an incoming winter storm.
Joining the governor for the announcement were:
- John Scrivani, State Coordinator, VDEM
- Cheryl Adkins, Chief Deputy State Coordinator, VDEM
- Stephen Brich, Commissioner, VDOT
- Jeffrey Katz, Superintendent, Virginia State Police Brig. Gen.
- Todd Hubbard, Virginia National Guard
A very strong cold front will arrive Friday night bringing the coldest air of the season to the Commonwealth, with snow developing by Saturday evening. Snow will continue overnight but will transition to sleet from south to north Sunday morning.
The storm will gradually move east of the area early Monday morning, but not before significant amounts of snow and ice occur.
The Virginia Department of Transportation began 24-hour operations Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. in anticipation of the storm.
"Agencies across the Commonwealth are currently preparing for this large scale storm. The Virginia Department of Transportation is prepared for this multi-day storm response," Spanberger said. "They have begun with pre-treating and will have resources pre-positioned across the state so they can clear snow, address ice conditions, clear disabled vehicles and obstructed roadways."
The governor noted that interstates and primary roads will take priority.
"If the storm comes in as predicted, it will take time for roads to be cleared and passable," she said. "I am asking all Virginians to spend this time getting prepared for this incoming storm. And then I am asking all Virginians to stay off the roads as of Saturday night, all day Sunday through Monday morning. This will allow not only for the safety and security of our neighbors, but it will allow for faster clearing of roads and ensure greater safety during what we expect will be the most dangerous times on the roads."
VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich echoed Gov. Spanberger's sentiment.
"Our second tier is going to be our lower volume primary roads, then our secondary roads, and then neighborhood roads. It is possible that some localities or some subdivisions will not see a DDOT snow plow for anywhere up to 24 to 48 hours after the snow is concluded," Brich said, adding that VDOT will continue to monitor and shift resources as needed.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator John Scrivani emphasized the importance of listening to local elected officials and government as more information is shared, as well as activating emergency alerts.
"Emergency Alerts in these types of situations are very important. If your phone is not activated or accepting Wireless Emergency Alerts, please do that now. We may need to send those at some point," Scrivani said before urging Virginians to check on their neighbors. "Please check on your neighbors, especially those that are elderly or have special needs. Preparedness is key. This is going to be a Commonwealth wide event."
Local News
VDOT launches 24-hour operations to prepare for weekend winter storm
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
π²: CONNECT WITH US
Blue Sky | Facebook | Instagram | X | Threads | TikTok | YouTube
