A massive winter storm is sweeping across a 1,300-mile swath of the United States, affecting an estimated 62 million people. This storm, deemed the most significant of the season, began Saturday afternoon and is expected to continue into Monday, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, ice, rain, and severe thunderstorms. States from the Plains to the East Coast are bracing for potentially historic snowfall, with NOAA warning that for some, this could be the heaviest snowfall in over a decade. Areas in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia are expected to see over a foot of snow, while ice storms in the southern parts of the storm’s path could cause widespread power outages. As Arctic air moves in behind the storm, temperatures are predicted to plunge as much as 30 degrees below normal, locking in snow and ice for days to come.

Virginia is experiencing its most widespread winter storm in three years, with significant snowfall in the northern regions and a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow in the southern areas. As of Sunday evening, snowfall ranged from 1 to 5 inches in parts of Southwest and Southside Virginia, marking the first measurable snow since March 2023 for cities like Martinsville and Danville. Northern areas along Interstate 64 are expected to see totals exceeding 6 inches, with some locations potentially reaching a foot of snow. Ice accumulation of up to 0.4 inches in Southwest and Southside Virginia poses a significant risk of power outages and treacherous travel conditions, while Arctic air moving in later this week will keep any remaining snow and ice on the ground.

In response to the severe weather, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, urging Virginians to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel. The Virginia National Guard (VNG) and Virginia Defense Force (VDF) were activated to assist with the storm response. Governor Youngkin emphasized the need for vigilance as the storm brings hazardous road conditions and potential power outages. The VNG and VDF are coordinating with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to support localities impacted by the storm.

To ensure a swift response, approximately 70 Virginia National Guard Soldiers were pre-positioned along key locations, including the I-95 and Route 29 corridors, and Southwest Virginia. Equipped with heavy-duty tactical trucks and chainsaw teams, these troops are prepared to clear debris, open roadways, and restore access to power lines. The Virginia Defense Force activated numerous troops to provide logistical and administrative support to National Guard forces, ensuring seamless coordination at staging locations. Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard praised the rapid response of troops and highlighted the critical support from families and employers, which enables their mission readiness.

The Virginia Defense Force has been integral in supporting operations, working alongside the National Guard to provide administrative, logistical, and mission command assistance. VDF members are aiding in the in-processing of Soldiers, coordinating resources, and ensuring operational efficiency at staging areas. This partnership exemplifies the collaborative efforts between state defense forces and the National Guard in addressing large-scale emergencies like this winter storm.

As the storm continues to unfold, authorities urge residents to remain alert, follow weather updates, and prepare for potential power outages and prolonged icy conditions.

NEWS | Jan. 5, 2025

VNG staged, ready for possible winter weather response operations

By Cotton Puryear | Virginia National Guard Public Affairs

RICHMOND, Va.  –  The Virginia National Guard has staged approximately 70 Soldiers Jan. 5, 2024, at VNG facilities at key locations along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors and Southwest Virginia in order to support the response to severe winter weather expected to impact Virginia. The personnel are ready to conduct missions and will link up with local emergency managers to provide assistance if needed. VNG troops are organized in chain saw teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes, and troops will also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow.

An additional 20 Soldiers and members of the Virginia Defense Force are on duty to provide logistics, maintenance, and administrative support for the response teams at their staging locations. Soldiers and Airmen are also providing mission command support at the VNG’s Joint Force Headquarters in Richmond.

“It is important to get our troops and equipment in place before the severe weather hits so they are able to quickly respond if needed,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, Virginia National Guard director of the joint staff. “We appreciate how quickly and safely our personnel responded to the alert notification and are ready to help their fellow Virginians. As always, we need to thank our families and employers for their support which is so critical to being able to accomplish the mission.”

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency Jan. 3 in advance the incoming winter weather, and the declaration authorized state active duty for the VNG and VDF.

During domestic operations, the VNG responds as part of a multi-agency team with other state and local agencies to provide support capability requests submitted through the Virginia Emergency Support Team by Virginia localities.

Localities looking for VNG support should make their requests to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and VDEM determines which organization can best provide the requested assistance as they coordinate the regional and statewide response.

A member of the Virginia Defense Force inprocesses a Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Jan. 5, 2025, in Lynchburg, Virginia. The VNG is staging approximately 70 Soldiers at VNG facilities at key locations along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors and Southwest Virginia in order to support the response to winter weather expected to impact Virginia. VNG troops are organized in chain saw teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes, and troops will also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow. (Contributed photo)

Sources: CNN – Cardinal News – Reuters – People.com – Governors Office – Virginia National Guard – Virginia National Guard / Defense Force