Dangerous Winter Storm Fern Ahead This Weekend, Emergency Preparations Underway, and Statehouse Updates — WFIR News Express 1/23/26

On this Friday, January 23, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the focus is squarely on dangerous winter weather expected to impact the region this weekend:Winter Storm Fern approaches Southwest and Central Virginia, prompting Governor Abigail Spanberger to declare a State of Emergency ahead of the weekend.State and transportation officials warn the storm could bring a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice, creating hazardous travel conditions.VDOT crews are preparing for multiple scenarios, while emergency officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare now.Triple-A Mid-Atlantic advises drivers to check vehicles, stock emergency supplies, and prepare for extreme cold, with temperatures expected to drop into the single digits next week.Despite the forecast, some events are continuing as planned, while weather has forced the postponement of a Virginia Museum of Transportation commemoration tied to the historic Norfolk and Western 611 locomotive, now rescheduled for February 7.Beyond the weather, several major developments are unfolding across Virginia:Lawmakers advance a bill setting a redistricting referendum for April 21, allocating $5 million from the general fund as debate continues over congressional map fairness.Democratic leaders revive efforts to ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, citing mass shooting prevention, while opponents argue the proposals violate Second Amendment rights.More than 1,000 Liberty University students travel to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life, continuing a decades-long tradition.In Roanoke, health officials and community partners host a neighborhood clean-up day, focused on the safe disposal of needles and other hazardous materials.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express — your trusted source for severe weather updates, state government action, and local community news.