Governor Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Debby Approaches

Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby. Forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center indicate significant rainfall, and flooding could impact the entire state, leading to transportation issues and power outages.

“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Debby, I urge all Virginians and visitors to stay informed, follow local emergency guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and communities. There is the potential for strong winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding across regions of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Youngkin. “It’s crucial that we work together and remain vigilant during these times to minimize the impact of the storm. The effects of Debby are far-reaching, and our neighboring states are facing significant challenges. Suzanne and I are praying for the residents of North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia as they endure the impacts of this tropical storm.”

The state of emergency enables Virginia to mobilize resources and equipment for response and recovery efforts. While the storm’s exact path remains uncertain, Virginia will likely experience flooding, high winds, and possible storm surges. The Virginia Emergency Support Team and the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) closely monitor the situation and coordinate preparations with local, state, and federal officials.

What Virginians Need to Know

Make a Plan: Develop a plan for reaching a safe place, maintaining contact with family and friends, and handling various situations. Resources for planning can be found at vaemergency.gov/prepare/make-a-plan.

Prepare an Emergency Kit: Ensure your household has the necessary supplies to sustain itself before, during, and after the storm. A list of recommended emergency supplies is available at VAemergency.gov/emergency-kit.

Stay Informed: Follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for updates. Check the local National Weather Service office for the latest forecasts, advisories, watches, or warnings. Download the FEMA app for mobile alerts and have a battery-operated radio for receiving life-saving information during power outages.

For comprehensive information on preparing your business, family, and property against hurricane threats, visit VAemergency.gov/hurricanes and ready.gov/hurricanes.

The VEOC has been actively monitoring severe weather heading toward Virginia, with Debby expected to arrive on the evening of Wednesday, August 7, 2024. The storm could bring tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, and severe flooding statewide. Prepositioning response assets and supplies is crucial for aiding local and state partners.

Governor Youngkin’s declaration emphasizes the importance of community preparedness and vigilance. Virginians can better protect themselves and minimize the storm’s impact by taking these steps.

For the full text of Executive Order 34, visit the official website.