Virginia Declares Emergency Ahead of Looming Winter Storm

A winter storm is expected to hit mid-Atlantic states, particularly impacting Virginia and West Virginia with significant snow and ice. Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, closing schools and offices. The National Weather Service warns of unsafe travel conditions and power outages. Other regions, such as East Tennessee and Portland, prepare for severe weather impacts, including potential flooding and extreme cold.

A significant winter storm is anticipated to impact mid-Atlantic states, particularly Virginia and West Virginia, with forecasts indicating substantial snow and ice accumulations. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions commencing Tuesday and lasting into early Wednesday.

In preparation for the storm, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, which allows state agencies to provide assistance to local jurisdictions. As a precaution, schools and government offices across Virginia were closed on Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring up to 10 inches of snow in northern and central Virginia, while ice accumulation could lead to power outages and damage to trees.

The weather service in Blacksburg, Virginia, noted the seriousness of the storm, saying, “Did you think winter was over? Think again!” Precipitation including snow, sleet, and freezing rain is anticipated throughout the region, raising concerns over road conditions as temperatures drop.

Appalachian Power has taken measures to reinforce its workforce, securing an additional 700 workers to address potential storm-related problems for its clientele in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee. Meanwhile, East Tennessee is expecting heavy rainfall later in the week, increasing the risk of flooding.

In northern Virginia, sections of the George Washington Memorial Parkway were closed due to the threat of winter weather. Travel warnings extend from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, with snow and rain expected to transition as temperatures rise by Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a separate storm system will impact areas from Kansas and Missouri to the Great Lakes, bringing heavy snowfall. Additionally, extreme cold conditions are expected in various regions, including dramatic temperature drops in Portland, Oregon, where severe weather shelters have opened to assist those in need.

There are reports of tragic consequences due to the cold, including two children, under ten, who likely succumbed to exposure in Detroit. Local authorities state that their family may have been living in a van outdoors. Multnomah County officials have increased shelter capacity and outreach efforts for the homeless to provide essential warm clothing and supplies.

The winter weather is expected to be compounded by an atmospheric river in California, bringing heavy precipitation and snowfall expected to significantly affect the Sierra Nevada region. Preparations continue nationwide as communities brace for the coming storm systems.

In summary, a major winter storm is set to impact the mid-Atlantic region, resulting in significant snowfall and ice accumulation. Virginia has declared a state of emergency to facilitate assistance amid expected power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Critical preparations are underway in both Virginia and across the United States to address the multifaceted weather threats, including severe cold and flooding risks.

Original Source: www.pbs.org