Prince George County certifies local emergency as storm threat looms

Prince George County officials voted unanimously to certify a local emergency on the recommendation of county staff, citing expected snow and, more importantly, potential ice accumulation that could cause widespread power outages.

County staff member Miss Pudlow told the board the governor had declared a state of emergency and asked the board to certify a local emergency so the county could expend funds and coordinate response with utilities. "Anything over a quarter of an inch, would be a significant impact," Pudlow said, adding, "We're looking at a half inch to an inch of ice as a potential." She also said staff had been coordinating with Dominion Energy and preparing county assets such as generators.

The emergency declaration was moved and seconded and carried on roll call with affirmative votes recorded from the members present. The declaration authorizes the county to use its resources and funds to respond to the storm and to coordinate operational activities with private and state partners.

Board members also discussed operational steps to reduce risk to the public and staff, including cancelling two upcoming county meetings to limit travel during hazardous conditions and consolidating agenda items to later meetings to preserve statutory public-notice timelines for planning hearings.

The board did not provide additional monetary details at the meeting; staff said staffing and generator-preparation efforts were already underway. The county said decisions on specific expenditures and response actions will be handled through normal staff channels under the declared emergency.

The board reconvened after a short closed session later in the meeting and certified the closed-session action; no further public action was announced before adjournment.