As Stafford and surrounding areas prepare from 6-10 inches of snow starting this evening, the Governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency.
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia.
“Now is the time for Virginia to get ready for this storm,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This state of emergency declaration will empower the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, the Virginia National Guard, and our electric and cable utilities to prepare for a storm that is predicted to create power outages and significant travel challenges across the Commonwealth over the next few days.
“Just as state government is preparing for this storm, I urge every Virginian to take proper preparations. Prepare to limit unnecessary travel during the storm, have emergency supplies on hand and be ready in the event that power in your area goes out.”
More information for residents to be weather-ready.
The National Weather Service has placed the area under a Winter Storm Warning, projecting more than 6-10 inches with a potential of 12 inches in areas elevated above 800 ft.
Because the snow will begin this evening, road conditions may be dangerous, although VDOT has already begun pre-treating the roads.Â
Power outages are also possible over the course of the storm. More information about power outages from a Stafford County release:
Dominion Virginia Power – Customers who lose power can also report the outages through Dominion’s toll-free customer service line, 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357). The company will also issue periodic updates on Facebook and Twitter (DomVaPower).
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative – Should any power interruptions result from this storm, members may report their outages online at www.myrec.coop by clicking the Report Outage button at the top of any page. Those who prefer to phone in their outage report can call toll-free: 1-800-552-3904. Please keep in mind that increases in REC call volume may make it more convenient to use a smart phone and report outages online.
Also keep in mind that downed power lines are extremely dangerous. If you see one, stay away, and call 911 or REC immediately at 1-800-552-3904. For information about REC, please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or our website, www.myrec.coop.
While there are no reported closings, cancellations or delays at this time, Stafford Local will be posting updates throughout the storm for any closings that occur.
More information from a National Weather Service release:
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING
TO 8 PM EST THURSDAY…
* PRECIPITATION TYPE…HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS…6 TO 10 INCHES…WITH UP TO 12 INCHES AT
ELEVATIONS ABOVE 800 FEET.
* TIMING…SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA FROM THE SOUTH BETWEEN
8 PM AND 10 PM WEDNESDAY EVENING. SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES
WEDNESDAY NIGHT INTO THURSDAY MORNING. SNOW IS EXPECTED TO
TAPER OFF LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
* TEMPERATURES…IN THE UPPER TEENS TO LOWER 20S WEDNESDAY
NIGHT…SLOWLY RISING INTO THE LOWER 30S THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
* WINDS…NORTHEAST 5 TO 15 MPH WEDNESDAY EVENING…BECOMING
NORTH AND INCREASING TO 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 30 MPH LATE
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY.
* IMPACTS…ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY. TRAVEL
WILL BE DANGEROUS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY. HEAVY WET SNOW
COULD LEAD TO SOME POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW
ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN
EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT…
FOOD…AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
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