CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has declared a statewide State of Emergency as the winter storm moves into the area.

“I’m grateful for the work of our Department of Transportation and West Virginia National Guard to mobilize state resources during the State of Preparedness I issued Wednesday,” Gov. Tomblin said. “These efforts have allowed us to put together the resources we need to prepare for the inclement weather of Winter Storm Jonas.

“Because winter weather conditions are expected to become more severe over the next few days, I have transitioned the State of Preparedness declaration into a State of Emergency to continue deployment of key resources from the West Virginia National Guard, Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, Department of Transportation and other necessary agencies.

“As these conditions intensify, I continue to encourage you to check on the elderly and your neighbors.”

A State of Emergency declaration does not restrict travel or mandate closure of businesses or schools, according to the Governor's Office.