Governor Youngkin declares State of Emergency for Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Helene

RICHMOND, VA (WVNS) — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency for Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Helene.

According to a post on the Governor of Virginia ‘s Facebook page, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency for Virginia to prepare for weather caused by Hurricane Helene.

Even though the largest impacts of Helene are predicted to the south and west of us, we cannot ignore the fact that we have had significant flooding events arise from pre-cursory rain events and outer bands from tropical systems that drop locally heavy rainfall leading to flooding, especially in our southwestern region.

It is critical that we remain vigilant, understanding that tracks and impacts can shift. As high winds and heavy rains are predicted for parts of Virginia, we urge everyone to stay informed through trusted resources and follow the direction of your local officials.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

The State of Emergency declaration for Virginia allowed equipment and resources to be gathered for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. There are also tips and ways that residents of Virginia can prepare.

• Have a plan in place: Plan a route to a safe place, ways to stay in contact with family and friends.
• Prepare an emergency kit : Gather items for an emergency kit such as non-perishable food, necessary medications, clothing and protective gear, charge phones and portable chargers, have a battery-operated radio available, and other necessary items.
• Keep up-to-date with weather related information through alerts and/or local news stations

The full State of Emergency Declaration for Virginia made by Governor Youngkin can be found here .

In a press release, members of the Virginia State Police stated swift water rescue teams, drones, and aviation resources would be put into place ahead of time in areas expected to be affected by the storm.

The Virginia State Police also encouraged Virginia residents to avoid traveling and driving to avoid accidents on roadways, and those who live in flood-prone areas are advised to find shelter in a safer area.

Drivers who will need to travel during the hurricane are advised to:

• Use headlights when driving. Having headlights on when using windshield wipers is required by Virginia law. It will also help with visibility to avoid slick, wet, and dangerous spots on the road, to be able to see standing water and/or flooded areas. Headlights will also help other drivers see the cars better.
• Never drive through standing water. Standing water can be deeper than it looks, have a fast current, and could hide objects such as debris, potholes, or downed power lines.
• Slow down. Slowing your speed gives drivers more time to react and avoid a crash.
• Leave space between other cars on the road. Larger stopping distances are needed on slick or wet road surfaces.
• Wear seatbelts. Many crashes that occur during bad weather are caused by vehicles sliding off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and being seriously injured in a crash.
• Do not use phones. Driving in heavy rain requires a driver’s full, uninterrupted attention. Do not text and drive or shoot video of the bad conditions while driving.
• Check that the cars are in good working order, have a full tank of gas, and make sure windshield wipers work, windshield wiper fluid is full, tire treads, battery life, and more.
• Have an emergency kit on hand when leaving home. Emergency kits can have non-perishable food and water, portable chargers, charged phones, flashlights, and more.

Traffic conditions in Virginia can be found on the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information website .

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