‘Stay at home’: Gov. Youngkin says state of emergency continues due to expected winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor Glenn Youngkin has outlined preparation efforts ahead of the expected winter storm and provided an update on recovery efforts after flooding in southwest Virginia.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Youngkin emphasized that the state of emergency that was declared on Feb. 10 remains in place.

"We are still under a state of emergency," Youngkin said. "I cannot be more clear. We declared this, now, 10 days ago, but I need everybody to understand that the state of emergency continues, and if there wasn't one that had already been declared, I would be declaring one today."

As for what action Virginia residents should take ahead of the winter storm, Youngkin advised folks to stay at home and avoid driving so that crews can continue to prepare and clear roads.

"If you are not where you want to be by midnight tonight, don't go," he said. "Stay at home and make sure that you have good provisions at home, but I do not want anyone past midnight tonight."

He added that crews from multiple agencies have been working since the last winter storm to prepare and clear the roads, with this work continuing ahead of the expected wintry weather.

Regarding the last winter storm, Youngkin said there were over 450,000 power outages throughout Virginia. He compared these numbers to those experienced during Hurricane Helene.

"We had 315,000 power outages associated with Hurricane Helene," he said. "And so, we had more power outages throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia than we had in one of the most intense hurricane events we've ever dealt with."

As of the morning on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Youngkin said there were about 25,000 power outages throughout Virginia, which he described as "about normal for the state."

Youngkin said crews in many areas that were affected by flooding will remain in place, and some resources will be deployed to other areas in anticipation of possible impacts from the winter storm.

If Virginians experience an emergency during winter weather, Youngkin urges them to call 911.