WATCH: Gov. Spanberger declares state of emergency for Virginia ahead of winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency for Virginia when addressing the Commonwealth on Thursday ahead of this weekend's winter storm.

State of emergency declared

Shortly before the press conference, which was held in the afternoon on Thursday, Jan. 22, Spanberger declared a state of emergency for Virginia due to the large winter storm.

"The declaration will allow state agencies to be prepared for impacts all across the Commonwealth," Spanberger explained during the press conference. "We are expecting large amounts of snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet, and we also expect Virginia will experience dangerously low temperatures, power outages and unpredictable road conditions."

During her address, Spanberger said state agencies were preparing throughout the Commonwealth.

Spanberger: "Stay off the roads"

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have reportedly begun pre-treating roads and have stationed resources at multiple locations so that snow can be cleared, icy conditions can be addressed, disabled vehicles can be cleared, and obstructed roadways can be cleared.

All interstates in Virginia will reportedly begin being treated with a brine solution in the afternoon on Thursday, Jan. 22, which drivers may see while traveling, with that pre-treatment to end by "close of business" on Friday, Jan. 23.

Spanberger added that VDOT will prioritize interstates and primary roads, and reminded residents that if the impacts of the winter storm are as significant as expected, it may take time for road concerns to be addressed.

She urged Virginia residents to stay off the roads throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week.

"I am asking all Virginians to stay off the roads as of Saturday night, all day Sunday, through Monday morning," Spanberger said.

With that in mind, she encouraged residents to prepare ahead of the storm.

Addressing Richmond area residents' concerns regarding water

After a reporter flagged to Spanberger during the press conference that many Richmond area residents have expressed concerns regarding water service due to the January 2025 water crisis that left many with little to no water, she said plans have been made at the city level, and regarding the water treatment plant.

"There's been much planning over the past year to ensure that any, now identified, potential challenges or weaknesses in the system, as we witnessed in Richmond, could be mitigated," Spanberger said.

She added that the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has worked at the regional level regarding water service, and any larger concerns that could come about would be addressed by VDEM.

VDEM assistance and coordination

Spanberger said the Virginia National Guard will assist with debris clearance and emergency response in coordination with state and local agencies.

John Scrivani, the state coordinator with the VDEM, then shared that the department was coordinating with local partners, utility providers and other state agencies.

Scrivani added that both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) were attending meetings with VDEM, and were present during the press conference.

He reminded residents to listen to trusted sources of information regarding the winter weather to appropriately prepare for the impacts.

"Please do not follow anything that isn't trusted," Scrivani said. "Listen to your local elected officials, your local government, they will share information that we push forward."

In addition, Scrivani emphasized the importance of signing up for wireless emergency alerts if residents have not already.

Spanberger's cabinet

When Capitol Bureau Reporter Tyler Englander asked about the preparedness of Spanberger's cabinet and new agency heads as the state braces for the storm, just days into the job, she noted their extensive experience in each of their fields.

She mentioned VDOT transportation secretary Nick Donohue, who she said is highly experienced in large-scale responses to weather impacts, as well as the experience of Virginia State Police superintendent Jeffrey Katz.

"While the title is new, the experience of contending with storms and the impact on our roads is not new," Spanberger said.

Neighboring states, possibility of federal emergency declaration

Spanberger shared that she would be meeting with neighboring state leaders following the press conference in areas that may be affected by the winter storm regarding response efforts.

In addition, she said that depending on how the state is impacted by the storm, there may be a need for a request of a federal emergency declaration by FEMA.

The full press conference is available in the video player above.