Virginia requests Expedited Major Disaster Declaration after severe winter storms, U.S.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin formally requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald J. Trump on February 16, 2025, following severe winter storms that caused flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department sent its swift water rescue team to Richlands to help with rescues and evacuations. Image credit: Virginia Beach Fire Department
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin formally requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald J. Trump on February 16, following severe winter storms that caused flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages.
Portions of Southwest Virginia received more than 178 mm (7 inches) of rainfall on February 15 and 16, triggering flash floods that led to record water levels on the James River and other major waterways. The towns of Grundy and Hurley in Buchanan County experienced catastrophic flooding, with river gauges reaching levels not seen since 1977.
More than 203 000 customers lost power at the peak of the storm, and 270 roads, including low-water bridges, were closed because of washouts and debris.
Governor Youngkin declared a State of Emergency on February 10, mobilizing state resources for disaster response.
“This is the fifth major flood in this area in the past five years, and there is significant damage affecting community lifelines,” Youngkin said.
“It is critical that we provide relief, and we will certainly take every measure possible to ensure that these areas are able to make a full recovery as quickly as possible.”
The Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST) escalated emergency operations to full activation at 07:00 LT (12:00 UTC) on February 11 to coordinate statewide response efforts. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) deployed personnel and resources, including two Incident Management Type 1 Teams, to Southwest Virginia, essential supplies such as water, food, and mass care provisions to sheltering facilities, as well as generators and emergency power support to maintain main infrastructure.
The storms severely impacted areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which brought record-breaking rainfall, historic river crests, and forced swift water rescues.
Swift water rescue teams from Virginia Beach were stationed in Bristol, Wytheville, Lebanon, and Norton/Wise for rapid response. More than 150 swift water rescues were conducted, including 52 adults, 12 children, four infants, and 26 pets.
The Virginia National Guard deployed 55 Soldiers and Airmen to distribute emergency supplies and clear debris in Southwest Virginia. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were stationed for aerial rescue missions.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) adjusted manpower, sending additional troopers to assist flooded areas. Three helicopters were stationed in Abingdon for search and rescue missions, while VSP teams used unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to assess damages. Swift water rescue squads, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and mobile command units were also deployed in Buchanan County to provide communication support and assist with road detours.
12 primary roads and 234 secondary roads remained closed because of flooding, fallen trees, and downed utility lines until 06:30 LT on February 16.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) mobilized 24-hour crews, shifting personnel from less-affected areas to assist with recovery efforts, while the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) provided logistical support and deployed forest wardens to aid in flood response across Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, and Wise counties.
Authorities urge residents to exercise caution as floodwaters recede. Officials warn that just 150 mm (6 inches) of moving water can knock a person off their feet, while 300 mm (1 foot) of water is enough to sweep a vehicle away.
Residents were advised to avoid floodwaters because of potential debris and electrical hazards, evacuate immediately when instructed, and never bypass barricades. Non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as four-way stops.
Before re-entering homes, assess any structural damage, and if water damage is suspected, turn off the electrical systems. Generators should only be used outdoors to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
References:
1 Governor Glenn Youngkin Submits Request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Communities Impacted by Recent Storms – GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA – February 16, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
“Thus says The Lord to His servants: Beloved, prepare your hearts and do not abandon hope. Though much death draws near and the pain of death increases in every corner, though heavy sorrows overtake the land and tears fill your eyes, hold fast; embrace Me fully and do not waver.
Beloved, receive My words and also do them, obey all My commands, for I am with you. For those who love Me obey My voice and walk in My ways. They recognize those I send and the Word given them. Yes, these are they who keep The Commandments of God and testify of My glory without ceasing, and their testimony is true.
Thus at the appointed time I will surely gather them to Myself, some before and many more after, for I know My own. Beloved, I know when each will come to Me, I know every trial and tribulation. Therefore, again I say to you, call on My name in this time of darkness, in this time of great calamity and fear. Hold fast through all these tears, endure in these times of trouble.
Fear not, for I have overcome the world; I hold the keys of death and Sheol, and The Book of Life is held securely in My right hand. No one can steal you from My love; no one can pluck you from My hand; no one can break off what I have grafted in. For that which I revealed to My servant is true: I know you as you are and as you will be, with Me where I am… Says The Lord YahuShua.”

(From The Volumes of Truth, Volume Four, an excerpt from “Hold Fast and Do Not Waver”)