Federal disaster declarations approved as multiple states brace for storms
Multiple states received a Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration ahead of the weekend storms. Early Saturday morning, President Donald Trump approved the assistance for South Carolina and Virginia. By late Saturday afternoon, the president added 10 states to the list.
“With the help of FEMA and our State partners, we will keep everyone safe, and make sure both States have the support they need. We will continue to monitor, and stay in touch with all States in the path of this storm,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
North Carolina Gov. Jeff Stein posted on X that his state was approved for a disaster declaration as well.
In a news release, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster explained the declaration will provide access to federal personnel and equipment under the federal Public Assistance program.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency on Friday ahead of the storm.
“Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency ahead of the winter weather event to ensure Virginia is fully prepared to respond and recover,” Spanberger said. “Our top priority is the safety of every Virginian. State agencies are mobilized, and we are working closely with local governments and utility partners. Everyone should stay informed, avoid travel when possible, and take precautions to protect themselves and their families as this storm moves through our Commonwealth.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke to the media Saturday afternoon urging Americans to pay attention to local officials regarding new weather updates.
“The most important thing that people can do across this country is to please stay off the roads, to stay home when possible, unless you absolutely have to be out and about. That will not only ensure that you and your family are safe, but that emergency responders aren’t out there trying to rescue you when they could be out doing other work to proactively keep people safe and at home,” Noem said.
FlightAware updated their statistics with around 17,000 delays and more than 14,000 cancellations. Poweroutage tracks electricity outages across the country. They show approximately 130,000 without power, but that number is expected to grow overnight.
According to The National Weather Service, “catastrophic ice accumulations” are expected throughout the Southern Plains to the Southeast/Mid Atlantic and “dangerously cold temperatures” will expand across the eastern U.S. into early next week.
Straight Arrow News answered all of your questions regarding staying safe and warm during this massive storm event.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
