Gov. Ralph Northam declares state of emergency

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Governor Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency in preparation for a winter storm expected to move into Virginia over the weekend.

The Virginia Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the movement of a major winter weather system heading toward Virginia.

“We expect this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Virginia,” Governor 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.”

Governor Northam and state emergency officials held a joint preparation call this morning with Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin and his team.

Virginians are urged to follow local news for up-to-date forecasts, and to avoid traveling in dangerous weather.