February 8, 2010

As an extra precaution in advance of another potential accumulating snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday, Gov. Bob McDonnell 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.

“A large part of Virginia continues to recover from this past weekend’s snowstorm," McDonnell said. "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," McDonnell continued. "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:

-- The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has held weather conference calls with the National Weather Service, state agencies and local governments.

-- The Virginia Department of State Police and the Department of Transportation are working to keep roadways clear and assist motorists.

-- The Virginia National Guard has personnel on state active duty assisting several localities.

-- The Virginia Emergency Operations Center has been fully operational since last Friday night. Emergency officials and representatives from several state agencies, major utilities and other affiliated organizations remain in place to coordinate assistance to local governments.

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.