McAuliffe declares state of emergency in response to severe weather

Governor McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency in response to the severe weather event that continues to impact communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The declaration will enable public safety agencies including the Virginia National Guard, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation to devote every available resource to storm response and recovery.

Early this afternoon the Commonwealth was impacted by severe thunderstorms along with high winds and several reported tornadoes.   Governor McAuliffe and state emergency officials are closely monitoring the situation and are responding in support of local emergency management officials and first responders.

The storms are expected to continue affecting the Commonwealth through late this evening, accompanied by tornado watches throughout much of the state.  Governor McAuliffe urges all Virginians to take cover and closely monitor local news and weather for further instructions as this dangerous and volatile situation continues.

Visit www.vaemergency.gov for information on how to prepare.