RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency across Virginia on Friday as the first winter storm of 2025 approaches the Commonwealth.
A powerful winter storm is forecasted to hit Virginia on Sunday, Jan. 5. Two days prior, on Friday, Jan. 3, Youngkin announced that he has declared a state of emergency.
In a press release from his office, Youngkin emphasized that this storm is expected to bring snow and freezing rain, which will last through Monday, Jan. 6. The impact of this severe weather is expected to be broad, reaching most of Virginia.
With a state of emergency in effect, Youngkin has access to a variety of resources that the state can use to prepare for and respond to the effects of this storm.
‘Prepare now’: VDOT urges Virginians to brace selves for first winter storm of 2025
“I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said in the release. “Given the current projected size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel plans have you leaving Sunday, I encourage you to adjust those plans to leave on Saturday. If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”