PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth Wednesday, in anticipation of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene later this week.

Although the current course for the storm is expected to trail west of Virginia, the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center indicate that west parts of Virginia could receive significant rainfall.

Flooding could be expected from Friday into Saturday in the western regions of the state.

“Even though the largest impacts of Helene are predicted to the south and west of us, we cannot ignore the fact that we have had significant flooding events arise from pre-cursory rain events and outer bands from tropical systems that drop locally heavy rainfall leading to flooding, especially in our southwestern region,” said Youngkin. “It is critical that we remain vigilant, understanding that tracks and impacts can shift. As high winds and heavy rains are predicted for parts of Virginia, we urge everyone to stay informed through trusted resources and follow the direction of your local officials.”

Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act, which aims to protect consumers from ridiculous prices on necessities during emergency events, was also enacted following the state of emergency declaration.

Help from Hampton Roads is also on the way to the southern states that will be most affected. Virginia Task Force 2 has already deployed to Florida, where they will assist agencies in Orlando as needed.

Additionally, eight members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team were activated Wednesday around 8 a.m. to assist with Hurricane Helene. They are expected to depart from the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center and set up in Hillsville, Virginia, just before 6 p.m. on Thursday. This is in the southwest region of Virginia.

Dominion Energy is also preparing to help as needed during the storm.

“Dominion Energy stands ready to provide mutual aid to peer utility companies and communities impacted by Tropical Storm Helene,” a spokesperson for Dominion Energy said in an email. “If needed, we have crews and contractors ready to deploy to Florida as well as our own service areas in South Carolina to help restore power based on the track and effects of the storm.”

Mercy Chefs also said they are stationing outside the path of Helene so they will be ready to serve hot meals for victims and crews.

“Yeah, we’ve been in the Florida Panhandle, unfortunately, several times,” Amy Avery with Mercy Chefs said. “Even within the past year, we’ve been to Live Oak, Florida, twice in the past year. And unfortunately, they look to be in the path again. So we’re hoping that we do not have to respond there again. But we do have great relationships with church partners there and we’ve already been in communication with those church partners. We’ve also been in communication with church partners here in Panama City.”

Mercy Chefs hopes to begin serving meals as soon as Friday.

Here is what you can do as the storm approaches:

• Make a plan
• Prepare an emergency kit: To see recommended supplies click here.
• Stay informed