States of Emergency Declared Amid Severe Weather, Travel Hazards

Virginia is currently facing a powerful winter storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions, prompting Governor Glenn Youngkin to declare a state of emergency. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for significant snow accumulations, with some regions anticipating up to 10 inches. This comes on the heels of a previous ice storm that left over 450,000 residents without power and flooding that affected parts of the state. In Kentucky, severe flooding has already caused extensive damage, with several rescues conducted and additional weather challenges anticipated due to a snowstorm moving in. Both states are grappling with the harsh impacts of extreme weather events, which are increasingly linked to climate change. Officials in both states are urging residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and to stay off the roads during the storms.