Virginia under state of emergency ahead of first winter storm of 2025

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency across Virginia on Friday as the first winter storm of 2025 approaches the Commonwealth.

A powerful winter storm is forecasted to hit Virginia on Sunday, Jan. 5. Two days prior, on Friday, Jan. 3, Youngkin announced that he has declared a state of emergency.

In a press release from his office, Youngkin emphasized that this storm is expected to bring snow and freezing rain, which will last through Monday, Jan. 6. The impact of this severe weather is expected to be broad, reaching most of Virginia.

With a state of emergency in effect, Youngkin has access to a variety of resources that the state can use to prepare for and respond to the effects of this storm.

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"I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said in the release. “Given the current projected size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel plans have you leaving Sunday, I encourage you to adjust those plans to leave on Saturday. If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”

In the week following this storm, Virginia will see very cold temperatures, with daytime highs expected to remain below freezing.

According to Youngkin's office, coastal Virginia is also under a gale watch from Friday until Saturday, Jan. 4. The winds will lessen on Sunday and Monday, but are forecasted to increase again through Tuesday.

In the release, Youngkin's office provided resources on how to keep you and your family safe during severe winter weather. It also detailed how state agencies are preparing for the storm.

How can I keep myself and my family safe?

According to the release, you should have several of these methods of receiving emergency alerts at hand during a severe weather event. There are many ways to tune-in to emergency alerts affecting your area. These include Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on television and radio, National Oceanic Association of America (NOAA) alerts on radio and various mobile apps, such as the FEMA app.

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You can visit the National Weather Service's website for alerts on weather-related watches, warnings and advisories. Additionally, you can sign up for severe weather alerts from our Stormtracker8 meteorologist team. You can get these through our mobile app or via email sign-up, which you can do below. [sailthru_widget name="Sailthru Widget Block" sailthru_list="Severe Weather" title="StormTracker8 Severe Weather Alerts"]

Prepare your home by checking your insulation and weather stripping. If you don't already know the process, learn how to shut off your water valve in case a pupe bursts.

In the event of a power outage, contact your service provider to report it immediately. Youngkin's office referred to Ready.gov's guide on how to handle a power outage. It includes recommendations like preparing ways to power necessary devices ahead of the storm, keeping your fridges and freezers closed until power is restored and looking into heating and cooling locations nearby.

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If you need to use a generator, grill or camp stove, or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device, never use it indoors. This includes garages, basements, crawlspace or any other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas. This is a severe fire hazard.

No matter what heating device you use, you should always be sure to have a fire extinguisher at the ready. You should also ensure that fresh batteries are in your carbon monoxide detectors.

Frostbite most commonly affects the hands, feet and face. Wear a hat, mittens and cover your mouth with a scarf to slow down heat loss in those areas. You should also wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing instead of just one layer or heavy clothing.

Additionally, make sure to keep dry. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible to help your body retain heat.

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Youngkin's office advised that snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Don't push yourself too hard when shoveling and make sure to take breaks.

If you have older or disabled neighbors or relatives, Youngkin's office asked that you check on them during and after the storm.

You should stay off the roads as much as possible during a winter storm. However, if travel is absolutely necessary, Youngkin's office provided the following list of recommendations for how to stay safe:

• Check out road conditions before you leave. You can do so by visiting Virginia 511 online or calling 511. Make sure to check your entire planned route, as conditions will vary.
• Check your vehicle before you leave. You should check vital parts of your car, such as its batteries, windshield wipers, antifreeze, tires and more. You should also be sure to clear any and all snow off of your car before you drive.
• Make sure your headlights are on. This will not only make it easier for you to see the road and its conditions, but it also makes it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Make sure your seatbelt is on. Most winter weather-related crashes involve a driver sliding into a guardrail, off of the road or into another vehicle. If your seatbelt is on, you won't be thrown around or out of your car if you crash.
• Drive slowly and give others more room. Take it slow and give other drivers a longer following distance than usual, with VDOT recommending at least 5 seconds. This gives you more time to react if something happens.
• Pack and keep an emergency kit in the car with you. This kit can be essential in the event of an emergency. Youngkin provided a list of recommended items you could include:
  • Blankets 
  • Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets 
  • Boots 
  • Basic first-aid kit 
  • Warm coat and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat, socks) 
  • Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes 
  • Basic set of tools 
  • Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors 
  • Ice scraper/snow brush 
  • Jumper cables/jump pack 
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Cash 
  • Items for children such as diapers, baby wipes, toys, etc. 
  • Flashlight, with extra batteries 
  • Hand warmers 
  • Paper map 
  • Portable smartphone power bank 
  • Extra medication 
  • Garbage bags 
  • Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter 
  • Tarp, raincoat and gloves 
  • Shovel 

If you need additional tips or resources, click here.

What are state agencies doing?

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is on standby to assist any local governments in need once the storm hits, according to the release. Its emergency response assets and supplies are at the ready and its emergency support team is monitoring forecasts actively. Once the storm hits, that team will activate the state emergency operations center, which will coordinate storm response efforts.

What to know about extreme cold warnings and cold weather advisories

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is pretreating bridges and major roadways in areas across Virginia. Its crews will remain on alert as conditions develop. VDOT does not recommend driving during the storm.

The Virginia National Guard is coordinating with VDEM and will launch any necessary response operations if severe weather conditions require it. According to the release, VDEM is in charge of tasking the guard with responding to domestic operations.