PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth in advance of the next winter storm that could bring high winds and up to 20 inches of snow to Northern Virginia.
The move allows authorizes the state to make ready personnel and resources, positing them for quick response throughout the state.
"This storm will bring severe weather to many parts of Virginia. Please stay alert to the forecast for your area and make sure your family and neighbors are ready for hazardous weather conditions,” stated McDonnell. “As the storm affects your area, please stay off the roads and contact local authorities if help is needed."
State emergency officials have already held conferences with the National Weather Service, state agencies and local governments.
As they did during last week’s storm that brought a foot of snow to portions of central and southwest Virginia, the state’s National Guard will be on active duty and the Virginia State Police will be on hand to assist motorist on the highways.
The same storm brought at least 5.5 inches of snow to portions of Prince William.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will also begin treating roads in advance of the storm, McDonnell stated.
Wednesday night, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Prince William County and much of Northern Virginia. The storm could bring 12 to 20 inches of snow to the area, the weather service forecast stated.
While December’s snow storm brought two feet of snow to portions of Prince William County, the biggest snow storm to ever hit the Washington area remains the blizzard that buried the city Jan. 27 and 28, 1922, dubbed the Knickerbocker storm, that brought 28 inches of snow to Washington.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement