Governor Spanberger Declares State of Emergency in advance of Winter Weather expected this weekend

Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency today in anticipation of a winter storm expected to impact most of Virginia beginning Saturday and continuing through Monday morning.

According to state officials, current forecasts indicate the storm is expected to reach far western portions of the Commonwealth late Saturday morning before moving eastward, reaching the Interstate 95 corridor by Saturday evening. The slow-moving system is forecast to affect the entire state through Sunday, with impacts lingering into Monday morning, particularly in areas east of I-95.

The executive order authorizes state agencies to take preparatory actions and streamlines coordination to support local governments and communities before, during, and after the storm. The declaration allows resources to be staged in advance and enables agencies to respond more quickly to storm-related impacts.

In a statement, Spanberger said the declaration was intended to ensure the Commonwealth is prepared to respond and recover, noting that state agencies are coordinating with local governments and utility partners.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management said it is working closely with state agencies, localities, and private-sector partners to support preparedness and response efforts. Officials said the agency’s focus is maintaining situational awareness and ensuring communities have the resources needed to respond to potential impacts.

State officials urged residents to monitor forecasts closely, limit travel during hazardous conditions, and prepare homes, vehicles, and emergency supplies ahead of the storm. Drivers are advised to avoid travel when possible, give snowplows and emergency responders the right of way, and check road conditions before traveling using the 511 Virginia system.

Additional safety guidance from state officials includes avoiding the use of generators or fuel-burning devices indoors, exercising caution when shoveling snow to prevent injury, and checking on elderly or disabled neighbors during severe weather.

The State of Emergency remains in effect as the winter storm approaches and will allow the Commonwealth to continue response and recovery efforts as conditions evolve.