Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has issued a state of emergency ahead of an upcoming winter storm that threatens to bring heavy snowfall to the Washington area and the Northeast.

Thursday’s declaration authorizes state agencies to assist local governments in response to the storm, which is expected to dump up to 2 feet of snow in parts of the state and bring strong winds.

McAuliffe says in a statement that residents should “take the threat of this storm seriously.” He says that includes travel disruptions and possible power outages.

He says transportation crews are treating roads before the storm hits.

Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne is urging residents to stay off roads until the storm passes.

(AP)