Governor McAuliffe Declares State of Emergency for Virginia

Governor urges Virginians to stay off the roads.

Earlier today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced via his Twitter page a State of Emergency declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia after 3pm:

Governor McAuliffe will declare a state of emergency for the Commonwealth at 3pm in preparation for the winter storm. pic.twitter.com/2QwEeDUubX

— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) February 16, 2015

The following information was posted to the Governor's official Facebook page:

Governor McAuliffe will declare a state of emergency for the Commonwealth at 3:00pm in preparation for the winter storm.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is coordinating conference calls between the National Weather Service, state agencies and local governments.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is treating roads in some parts of the Commonwealth, and crews will be out in full force for snow removal as the storm arrives. Roads with the highest traffic volumes are cleared first. VDOT has adequate supplies for this storm.

Only travel if absolutely necessary. Roads can become very hazardous very quickly. Always wear a seatbelt, and know road conditions before you leave. Road condition information is available 24/7 by calling 511 or going to http://www.511virginia.org/.

Get winter weather preparedness information at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and download the new Ready Virginia app for iPhones and Android devices.

Currently there is no local state of emergency declared for the County of Sussex, however the Governor's declaration of State of Emergency is statewide and includes all localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.