Governor’s Office update on storm

Governor McAuliffe and Virginia public safety officials continue to urge Virginians to stay off of the roads as the Commonwealth’s response to severe winter weather goes on.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia is devoting every available resource to keeping communities safe as Winter Storm ‘Jonas’ continues to impact our entire state,” a news release quoted Governor McAuliffe as saying.

“I want to thank the thousands of brave men and women who are working around the clock to keep our communities safe, as well as the Virginians who are heeding our call to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. This storm is not over, and the impacts will continue after precipitation ends. I cannot overemphasize the importance of staying off of the roads so our road crews, state police, national guardsmen and women and local responders can do the important work of keeping our communities safe.”

Snow is expected to continue to fall across most of Virginia until midnight. Coastal flooding and strong wind gusts are also a concern, particularly in the Hampton Roads region.

Below are facts and figures about the storm in Virginia as of 1:45pm Saturday.

Number of power outages – 3,037 customers
Number of National Guard personnel deployed - 535 personnel

Airport status – Norfolk operational for arrivals and departures; Richmond open and expecting flights late this afternoon; Dulles and Reagan National have suspended flights and are working to clear runways.  Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Shenandoah Valley airports are currently closed.

Ports – Both inland ports (Richmond, Front Royal) are closed; Hampton Roads port facilities remain fully operational.

Listen to weather forecasts and instructions from local officials. If you need help, information or resources during the storm, call 211. Those with hearing impairments can call 711 for the Virginia Relay Center and then call 1-800-230-6977. Out of state or videophone users may also dial 1-800-230-6977 for assistance. For emergency assistance, Virginians should call 911. To stay informed, please visit http://www.vaemergency.gov.