Virginia Declares Emergency as Severe Snow and Ice Storm Approaches Mid-Atlantic
Virginia has declared a state of emergency ahead of a looming snow and ice storm, prompting extensive warnings about hazardous travel and potential power outages. Governor Youngkin has closed schools and government offices statewide. The storm is expected to produce significant snow accumulations and ice, causing damage and complicating rescue efforts across the region.
As a significant snow and ice storm approaches, Virginia has declared a state of emergency. Governor Glenn Youngkin’s decision permits state assistance to local governments as heavy accumulations forecast power outages and tough travel conditions through Tuesday and early Wednesday. Schools and government offices statewide have closed to ensure public safety during this hazardous weather event.
The National Weather Service has predicted up to 10 inches of snow in northern and central Virginia, with ice accumulation varying from a light glaze in Kentucky and West Virginia to a half-inch in the Roanoke Valley. The potential for significant tree damage and widespread power outages exists due to these heavy ice buildups.
Weather conditions worsened on Tuesday morning, particularly in western Virginia and North Carolina, where snow mixed with sleet. The National Weather Service issued stern warnings regarding travel hazards expected to intensify throughout the day due to freezing rain.
Appalachian Power has mobilized resources by requesting 700 additional workers to prepare for the storm’s impact in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee. Moreover, East Tennessee has observed an increase in flood risks, with projections of up to 8 inches of rain causing mitigation efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Several areas, including the George Washington Memorial Parkway in northern Virginia, faced closures due to safety concerns during the storm. Warnings for winter weather covered regions from Kentucky to southern New Jersey, while heavy rain is also anticipated as temperatures rise late Wednesday.
Further complicating the weather situation, another storm system is forecasted to hit the central U.S., bringing heavy snow from Kansas to the Great Lakes. Additionally, numerous winter alerts have been issued for the Arctic air chilling the area and warnings of severe cold temperatures remain in effect.
Tragically, in Michigan, two children likely succumbed to extreme cold exposure. Multnomah County in Oregon has opened severe weather shelters to assist the homeless population as hypothermia-related deaths have already been reported.
In summary, Virginia has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a severe snow and ice storm, with significant impacts expected across the mid-Atlantic states. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. Authorities are mobilizing resources to mitigate these dangers, highlighting the urgent need for community preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
