The Town of Farmville has declared a state of emergency in advance of Winter Storm Jonas, which is set to land in Central and Southside Virginia early Friday morning.

According to the declaration, the town “is facing dangerous public conditions” with sustained snowfall and high wind gusts.

The declaration is effective Thursday at 5 p.m.

Earlier today, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency — action that authorizes state agencies to assist local governments.

“McAuliffe urges Virginians to prepare for this major winter storm, which could dump up to two feet of snow in central and northern regions. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph, sleet and freezing rain could result in downed trees, power outages and blocked roads,” a release stated.

The Virginia National Guard announced Thursday that it has been authorized to bring up to 500 soldiers, airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty for possible assistance with the state’s severe winter weather response operations.

“The Virginia Guard plans to stage personnel at readiness centers along the I-81 corridor between Lexington and Winchester, along the Route 29 corridor from Warrenton to Danville, as well as in the areas near Richmond, Fredericksburg and Gate City in order to be ready to respond if needed,” a release stated. “The alert process to notify personnel to report for duty has begun, and they are scheduled to be in place by early evening Thursday.”

According to Cumberland County Administrator and Attorney Vivian Seay Giles, the county administrator’s office and solid waste transfer stations will be closed Friday.