CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – With the Charlottesville area expecting 8-to-12 inches of snow according to the Accuweather forecast, and local closings and delays already coming in, Governor Spanberger has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the weekend winter storm.

The Governor’s announcement said, “Current forecasts have the storm arriving Saturday late morning in the far western part of the Commonwealth, and progressing eastward, reaching the I-95 corridor by evening. The slow-moving system will continue to impact the entire Commonwealth throughout the day Sunday and lingering into Monday morning for areas east of I-95. The executive order is designed to help the Commonwealth prepare for, respond to, and recover from any impacts and to streamline processes that help localities and communities affected by the storm.”

“Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency ahead of the winter weather event to ensure Virginia is fully prepared to respond and recover,” Gov. Spanberger said in a statement. “Our top priority is the safety of every Virginian. State agencies are mobilized, and we are working closely with local governments and utility partners. Everyone should stay informed, avoid travel when possible, and take precautions to protect themselves and their families as this storm moves through our Commonwealth.”

Governor Spanberger is asking everyone to be weather aware and prepared:

  • Stay off the roads during and after the storm as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary. Always give snowplows and responders the right of way.
  • If you absolutely need to be somewhere, get to your destination before the storm begins.
  • Storm impacts will likely delay emergency response to stranded motorists.
  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
  • Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling.
  • When severe weather occurs, plan to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.

The announcement includes advisories from two major state agencies:

Virginia Department of Transportation

The safety of the traveling public and of state agency employees and partners is always top priority for VDOT. Crews are pretreating bridges and roadways and will be monitoring roadways and treating conditions as they develop. Snow removal operations take time, so travelers should not expect to see bare pavement during — and for a period after — the storm. VDOT clears interstates and most major primary roads first. Crews also plow major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes. Other secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multiday storms hit Virginia, but crews will focus their efforts on roads that carry the most traffic. With the predicted impact of the storm, plows may not get to subdivisions for several days after the storm ends. This could take longer depending on the amount of snow we receive and the forecasted temperatures following the storm’s end.

Virginia State Police

VSP will have troopers and supervisors actively monitoring roadway conditions statewide and will move to 12-hour shifts as the storm approaches. To help prevent unnecessary crashes, motorists should closely monitor road conditions and follow guidance from VDOT before traveling. Motorists should give snowplows and VDOT trucks ample space to safely perform their duties.

Everyone should stay off the roadways during and after the storm unless absolutely necessary. Virginia State Police offers the additional following safety tips to reduce the risk of crashes during winter weather:

  • Use headlights to improve visibility and help other drivers see your vehicle.
  • Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, to prevent it from obstructing your view or creating hazards for other drivers.
  • Slow down and drive for conditions. Reduced speeds allow more time to react and help maintain control on slick road surfaces.
  • Do not tailgate. Increased stopping distance is required on icy and snow-covered roads.
  • Always buckle up. Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury if your vehicle slides into a guardrail, another vehicle, or off the roadway.
  • Check your vehicle before traveling. Ensure tires, windshield wipers, battery, and fluids are in good working order and keep the fuel tank adequately filled.
  • Carry emergency supplies, including a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, flashlight, and a phone charger.

Virginia State Police will continue to monitor conditions and respond to incidents as the weather event continues.

To learn more about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your business for winter weather, visit www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather.