Gov. Northam declares state of emergency in Virginia ahead of Tropical Storm Michael

RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in Virginia on Thursday ahead of Tropical Storm Michael's arrival to the region.

Northam said the declaration was made in anticipation of the impact Michael could cause to the area.

"As Tropical Storm Michael turns to the Commonwealth, I want to urge all Virginians to prepare for the serious possibility of flash floods, tropical storm force winds, tornadoes, and power outages," Northam said in a written release. "I am declaring a state of emergency in order to provide state assets to Virginians and to assist our neighbors in states who are dealing with the devastating effects of this historic storm. My thoughts are with all those along with the Gulf Coast and my administration will continue our outreach to governors and state agencies where Hurricane Michael has produced widespread damage."

At least two deaths have been blamed on Michael as it blasted Florida and Georgia. Though weakened into a tropical storm, it continued to bring heavy rain and blustery winds to the Southeast as it pushed inland, soaking areas still recovering from last month's Hurricane Florence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.