Virginia State of Emergency declared by Governor Youngkin ahead of winter storm
DC snow forecast: Heavy snow expected across DMV
All eyes are on a winter storm that is expected to bring a significant amount of snow to much of the Washington, D.C. region!
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather that could bring as much as eight inches of snow to parts of the state.
"With another round of winter weather across the state this week forecasted to bring heavy snow and ice, I am declaring a state of emergency so we can move resources around the state," Youngkin said in a statement posted online. "I urge all Virginians to monitor your local forecast and to prepare for possible impacts to roadways and infrastructure beginning overnight Monday throughout Tuesday."
Youngkin also advised to keep these winter storm tips in mind:
Winter Storm Travel Tips
Use headlights to improve visibility for yourself and others.
Slow your speed to allow more time to react and maintain control.
Don’t tailgate to ensure adequate stopping distance on slick roads.
Buckle up to protect yourself from injury in case of an accident.
Check your vehicle to ensure it's in good working order for winter conditions.
Pack essentials like a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, cell phone charger, and flashlight.
Snow preps underway across the DMV
Road crews across the D.C. region are preparing for a blast of winter weather that is expected to bring a significant amount of snow Tuesday into Wednesday.
Personal Preparedness Actions for Winter Storms
Stay off the roads: Only drive when absolutely necessary. Give snowplows and responders the right of way.
Avoid indoor hazards: Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or gasoline/propane/natural gas/charcoal devices inside your home, garage, basement, or any partially enclosed area.
Shovel safely: Snow shoveling can trigger heart attacks. Avoid overexertion.
Check on neighbors: Plan to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives during severe weather.
Know road conditions: Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, use the 511 Virginia mobile app, or call 511 while in Virginia for road and traffic conditions.
Protect from frostbite: Wear a hat, mittens, and a scarf to cover your mouth. Keep hands, feet, and face warm.
Stay dry: Change out of wet clothing frequently to prevent body heat loss.
Layer up: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of one heavy layer.
Prepare your home: Insulate your home properly. Check weather stripping around windows and doors. Learn how to shut off water valves in case of pipe bursts. Have additional heat sources on hand for power outages. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.Replace Carbon Monoxide detector batteries annually.
Prepare your car: Test your car's battery. Check antifreeze levels. Service the radiator system. Replace windshield wiper fluid with a winter mix. Replace worn tires and wiper blades. Clean off your car entirely for visibility, including trunk, roof, windows, and headlights.
Emergency kit for your car includes items such as: Blankets, Drinking water and snacks (including for pets), Boots
Basic first-aid kit: Warm coat and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat, socks). Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
Basic tools: Car emergency warning devices (road flares or reflectors), Ice scraper/snow brush, Jumper cables/jump pack, Fire extinguisher
Cash
Items for children (diapers, baby wipes, toys)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Hand warmers
Paper map
Portable smartphone power bank
Extra medication
Garbage bags
Traction aid (sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter)
Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
Shovel
Power Outages and Emergency Alerts
Power Outages:
Report outages to your service provider.
Check with your provider for repair schedules.
Visit Ready.gov for more information and tips on actions to take during a power outage.
Stay with the FOX 5 Weather Team for the latest forecast updates and check the updated list of closings and delays. The FOX LOCAL app is your source for live FOX 5 DC weather updates. Click here to download.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the National Weather Service and the FOX 5 Weather Team.