Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell declared a state of emergency Sunday after the powerful, weekend thunderstorms cause widespread flooding, damage and killed at least five people in the commonwealth’s southern region.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the storms and flooding in the Commonwealth,” Mr. McDonnell, a Republican, said in a written statement. “I have declared a state of emergency to direct all possible resources towards responding to this event.”
The declaration opens up all available state resources for officials to help assist in such a crisis.
Mr. McDonnell is expected to visit Gloucester County either Sunday or Monday, according to WTOP.com The governor’s office says there has been one reported death in Page County, two in Waynesboro County, and three in Gloucester County, though the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed none as weather related.
At least 43 deaths have been associated with the storm that swept across the southern part of the country.
In Northern Virginia, the storm downed trees and power lines and flooded parts of Old Town Alexandria, along the Potomac River.
Dominion Virginia Power reported on Sunday that roughly 11,260 people in Northern Virginia lost power with about 278 still without service by mid-afternoon.
• Joseph Weber can be reached at jweber@washingtontimes.com.old.
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