HARRISONBURG VA: (Rocktown Now) – City officials have declared a State of Local Emergency as significant winter weather approaches, enabling a faster and more flexible response to potential impacts across the community.
The declaration, issued by the Harrisonburg City Manager and effective immediately, is intended to ensure that City departments can mobilize resources quickly as snow and ice move into the region later today. Officials emphasized that the move is a proactive step to streamline operations and support any emergency needs that may arise.
The announcement comes as Virginia continues preparations under Governor Abigail Spanberger’s statewide winter weather State of Emergency, declared earlier this week. As part of that effort, a small group of Virginia National Guard personnel has been positioned at the Harrisonburg National Guard Armory. The Guard members are on standby to assist with regional weather‑related incidents, according to state officials.
Under a State of Local Emergency, the City becomes eligible to seek reimbursement for expenses tied to storm response and recovery. The designation also allows Harrisonburg to deploy additional resources more rapidly if conditions worsen or if further support for residents becomes necessary.
City leaders stressed that the declaration does not require any action from residents and does not alter current City operations. However, officials are urging the public to avoid travel once winter weather begins this evening. Roads should remain clear until they have been treated and deemed safe by Harrisonburg Public Works and the Harrisonburg Police Department.
More information about the Virginia National Guard’s winter weather preparations is available through the Guard’s official channels.
