Emergency Operations Center open around the clock - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Virginia's Emergency Operations Center buzzed Monday with calls from local agencies who needed additional resources. Over a dozen state agencies answered the calls to deploy equipment across the state. 

Hurricane Sandy is expected to gain momentum over the next 24 hours, and the Center expects to see the need for additional resources to increase.

"We're going to see a bigger impact overnight," said Bob Spieldenner, EOC spokesman. "We're going to be in close contact with those local officials so we can respond to whatever Sandy brings their way."

The Center operates in the basement of the Virginia State Police headquarters in Chesterfield. The room is large, with various stations located in large cubicles; each labeled with their respective agency. 

A large map at the front shows the crew weather-related emergencies in real-time. Icons litter the page, with each having a different meaning. A pink square means winds of 50 mph or higher. A white diamond means snow.

Sandy has already brought snow to the West, rain to the East and wind all over.

"Now's the time for people to hunker down," said Spieldenner. "It's best to stay where you are at this point."

About 650 members of the military have been stationed on the ground in Virginia already, with another 50 troops ready to go.

Meanwhile, the Center will stay open until Sandy passes.

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