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February 8, 2010
Office of the Governor
CONTACT: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
Phone: (804) 897-6510
E-mail: Bob.Spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Virginians Can Check Road Conditions by Calling 511 or by Visiting 511Virginia.org; More Information About Winter Weather Preparedness Available at http://www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/index.cfm; Call 211 for Local Shelter Information
RICHMOND - As an extra precaution in advance of another potential accumulating snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday in regions of the Commonwealth still recovering from the weekend’s historic snowstorm, Governor Bob McDonnell today updated the existing State of Emergency he issued last Wednesday. The existing State of Emergency authorizes state agencies to assist local governments responding to the past weekend’s storm. The Governor’s update today ensures that process will continue unimpeded in the days ahead.
Current forecasts are indicating the potential of another significant snowfall over primarily northern and northwestern Virginia from Tuesday through Wednesday. The forecast remains uncertain and specific snowfall amounts, and locations which will see the greatest impact, will most likely change over the next 36 hours.
Governor McDonnell noted, “A large part of Virginia continues to recover from this past weekend’s snowstorm. The storm left 6 inches or more of snow on the ground from the Richmond metropolitan area to the north and west, with historic amounts of two to three feet common across northern and northwestern Virginia. This storm has led to a statewide effort to plow roads, restore power and assist Virginians. Now, with the possibility of additional accumulating snow, focused on the regions of Virginia that saw the greatest amounts this weekend, it is important that the State of Emergency be updated, and all relevant state agencies prepare for this new event. I continue to ask Virginians to stay alert to the forecasts for their area and make sure your family and neighbors are ready for additional hazardous weather conditions. As this new storm affects the Commonwealth, and we continue to respond to this most recent winter weather event, please stay off the roads and contact local authorities if help is needed.”
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. A state of emergency must be issued in advance to allow for proper and effective preparation. State agencies are getting ready for the storm by taking several actions, including:
Virginians are encouraged to have an emergency kit in their home and vehicle that includes water, food, a battery-powered radio, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries. Also, citizens should monitor news outlets for updates on this developing storm, and check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org. Virginians can receive information about shelters in their area by dialing 211 or by calling their local emergency manager. For emergencies call 911.
In areas where additional significant snowfall or icing occurs, Virginians are encouraged to stay off the roads until the storm abates and roads are cleared.
More information about winter weather preparedness is available at http://www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/index.cfm.
Detailed information about how Virginians can stay safe during an emergency is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and in Spanish at www.ListoVirginia.gov.
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