RICHMOND, VA — As Virginia prepares for a significant winter storm this weekend, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Scott is urging residents to take precautions, stay informed, and use trusted state and federal resources to stay safe.

“This coming storm has the potential to be catastrophic. Winter weather can move quickly and bring serious risks — from power outages to dangerous travel conditions,” said Speaker Scott. “The most important thing Virginians can do right now is prepare ahead of time, stay off the roads when advised, check in on your neighbors, and make sure emergency alert systems are turned on. This will not be a rapid recovery, and as Virginians, we must come together to look out for one another.”

Governor Abigail Spanberger has declared a statewide state of emergency to ensure agencies across the Commonwealth are fully prepared to respond. State and local partners are coordinating efforts to address road conditions, power restoration, emergency response, and water system preparedness.

Speaker Scott encouraged Virginians to take the following steps before the storm arrives:

Prepare for Severe Weather

• Download the FEMA app to receive emergency alerts and updates:

• https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages

• Use a NOAA Weather Radio for real-time weather alerts:

•  https://www.weather.gov/nwr

• Prepare an emergency kit that includes:

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Blankets and warm clothing

• Food that requires no cooking or refrigeration (including pet food)

• A three-day supply of water

• Prescription medications

• Battery-operated radio

• Cell phone chargers

• Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies and avoid unnecessary travel

• Check smoke detector and carbon monoxide monitor batteries

• Store important documents (insurance information, home inventory) in a waterproof container

Trusted State Resources & Safety Information

Virginians are encouraged to rely on the following official resources for the most up-to-date information:

• Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)

• Emergency preparedness, power outages, and winter weather safety

• https://www.vaemergency.gov

• Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

• Boil water advisories and public health updates

• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-preparedness

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

• Road conditions, traffic cameras, and travel advisories

• https://www.511virginia.org

• Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile device:

• https://www.ready.gov/alerts

FOLLOW RELEVANT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

Emergency Management & Alerts

• Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/VaEmergency

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VaEmergency

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaemergency

• Website: https://www.vaemergency.gov

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FEMA

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FEMA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fema

• App: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

Road Conditions & Travel

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/VaDOT

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOT

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vadot

• Traffic & Road Conditions: https://www.511virginia.org

Health & Water Safety

• Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/vdhgov

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VDHgov

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vdhgov

• Emergency Preparedness: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-preparedness

Weather Forecasts

• National Weather Service (NWS)

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/NWS

• Weather Alerts: https://www.weather.gov

• NOAA Weather Radio Info: https://www.weather.gov/nwr

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