RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With heavy rains expected Thursday and Friday and the threat of Hurricane Joaquin arriving this weekend, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency.
The Executive Order, which operates retroactively to Tuesday, September 29, allows Virginia state and local emergency responders to begin to prepare for the effects of the 8 to 10″ of rain forecast across the Commonwealth Thursday and Friday, as well as the potential that Hurricane Joaquin will impact Virginia early next week.
The governor says his office has already held multiple meetings with state officials ahead of what could be a very damaging storm for the state.
“I cannot stress enough the imperative for Virginians to focus on the rainstorms that are headed our way tomorrow and Friday, well before Hurricane Joaquin could potentially impact Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe in a press release. “The forecast of up to 10 inches of rain in areas across Virginia could result in floods, power outages and a serious threat to life and property.
“As we continue to track the path of Hurricane Joaquin, I have instructed the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to make every preparation for a major event Thursday and Friday.”
McAuliffe says the state will be fully mobilizing all resources to prepare.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) says they’ve contacted localities and found out what resources they might need, so that those can be in place. VDEM says while they prepare, it’s just as important for the rest of us to have food and water for up to three days as well as flashlights and batteries as part of your emergency kit.
Click here to learn what you should have for your emergency preparedness kit.
