(The Center Square) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 34 Tuesday, declaring a state of emergency for Virginia in anticipation of increased rainfall and potential flooding from Tropical Storm Debby, which could “cause transportation difficulties and power outages” across the commonwealth.
“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Debby, I urge all Virginians and visitors to stay informed, follow local emergency guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and communities,” Youngkin said, adding that several states South of the commonwealth “are facing significant challenges” due to the storm.
The Virginia Emergency Operations Center expects the storm to hit Virginia Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, the Virginia Emergency Support Team is coordinating with local, state and federal officials to minimize the storm’s negative impact on commonwealth residents.
The governor recommended that all Virginians make a plan for how to get to a safe place, communicate with family and friends, prepare an emergency kit, and stay informed before and throughout the storm’s presence in the commonwealth. People can follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on X and Facebook, in addition to weather forecasts and alerts.
Attorney General Jason Miyares also released a statement informing Virginians that the governor’s state of emergency declaration “has triggered Virginia’s anti-price gouging statutes designed to protect consumers from paying exorbitant prices for necessities during an emergency event.”
“Any violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act or exploitation of Virginians’ wallets” in the wake of the storm “will be thoroughly prosecuted through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act by my office,” Miyares warned in a statement.
Anyone seeking to report price-gouging should reach out to the Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection Section or, for gas prices, to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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