The Latest: Washington area caught off guard by early snow

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.

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

Maryland Department of Transportation spokesman Charlie Gischlar says crews got stuck in lengthy backups Wednesday night, slowing their progress.

Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jennifer McCord says in northern Virginia minor accidents built to gridlock and ramp closures continued through the night.

With heavy snowfall predicted by the weekend from the Appalachians to Philadelphia, people throughout the region readied themselves for blocked roads, power outages and canceled flights.