Gov. Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 76, putting Virginia in a State of Emergency as winter storms move through the Commonwealth.
The state of emergency went into effect on Thursday and will remain in place until March 13, unless Northam decides to amend or rescind the order.
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Through this executive order, Virginia and local governments are able to authorize services in order to help keep residents safe during any severe weather impacts.
The governor’s new order comes as the National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning for portions of Central and East-Central Virginia midnight on Friday up until 5 a.m. on Sunday.
A significant icing event is expected for the Mid-Atlantic Saturday into Sunday. The risk for ice accumulations greater than 0.25 inches is highest across central Virginia, with totals as high as 0.5 inches possible. The icing may also impact Washington, DC and Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/pDnI8wpi0p
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 11, 2021
Officials are predicting up to half an inch of ice accumulation in some areas due to the storm, potentially leading to power outages and tree damage across the Commonwealth.
In Southwest Virginia, we’re potentially seeing another round of freezing rain and some ice accumulation as well on Saturday.