State Of Emergency Declared In VA Ahead Of Hurricane Helene

RICHMOND, VA — With Helene poised to bring hurricane-strength winds inland hundreds of miles, Virginia Gov. Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening. The storm has 85 mph winds, but is forecast to grow into a catastrophic Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds when it makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend area.

Weather forecasters said the storm will pummel states as it heads north, and could bring disastrous flooding and landslides to southern Appalachia.

"Catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, including landslides, is expected across portions of the southern Appalachians through Friday," the National Hurricane Center said.

Following the lead of the governors of both North and South Carolina, Youngkin declared a state of emergency for Virginia in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Helene later this week. The latest prediction says the center of the storm will track west of Virginia, but National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center forecasts show the western portions of the Commonwealth could receive significant rainfall and flooding Friday into Saturday, combined with rainfall ahead of the storm.

“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,” Youngkin said. “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.”

Related: Helene Could Bring Deadly 20 Foot Storm Surge, Strengthen To Cat 4

A state of emergency allows Virginia officials to prepare resources and equipment needed for storm response, and recovery efforts. The Virginia Emergency Support Team is ready to support affected communities and is monitoring the storm to coordinate resources and information.

Storm Preparations Tips For Virginians

Make a plan. Plan a route to a safe place, how you will stay in contact with family and friends, and what you will do in different situations. Planning resources are available at vaemergency.gov/prepare/make-a-plan.

Prepare an emergency kit. For a list of recommended emergency supplies to sustain your household before, during, and after the storm visit: VAemergency.gov/emergency-kit.

Stay informed. Follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for preparedness updates and follow your local National Weather Service office for the latest weather forecast, advisories, watches or warnings. Download the FEMA app on your smartphone to receive mobile alerts from the National Weather Service. Power outages are always a concern — make sure you have a battery-operated radio available.

For more information about preparing for hurricane threats visit: VAemergency.gov/hurricanes and ready.gov/hurricanes.

The full text of Executive Order 37 is available here.