The Virginia Retail Federation is sharing the following update on behalf of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) regarding the ongoing winter weather event impacting the Commonwealth.
State of Emergency
On Wednesday, January 21, Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency in advance of the winter weather event forecast to impact the entire Commonwealth beginning the evening and overnight hours of January 24 through the morning of January 26. On January 23, the Governor also received a federal emergency declaration ahead of the storm.
VEST Status
As of Saturday, January 24, the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) transitioned to Red: Full Activation and is operating on a 24-hour basis.
Weather Conditions
Only minor changes have been made to the forecast. Damaging ice remains the primary concern, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Refreezing is expected tonight, increasing the risk of hazardous icy conditions into Monday.
Transportation Impacts
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues road clearing operations statewide as winter weather moves through the region. Current road conditions can be accessed via Virginia 511.
Power Outage Information
For current power outage information, visit:
https://poweroutage.us/area/state/virginia
To report an outage, please contact your electric service provider directly. Restoration timelines and repair schedules will be communicated by individual providers as assessments are completed.
Private Sector Coordination
The VEST Private Sector Liaison position is staffed daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is available to assist with coordination requests, situational awareness, or information needs.
Additional Reports
We will continue to share updates as information is made available by VDEM and the VEOC. Please prioritize safety for your teams, customers, and facilities as this event unfolds.
