LURAY, Va. — Page County has declared a local state of emergency as a worsening drought tightens its grip around the Valley.

In a notice signed yesterday, Page County administrator Amity Moler said that a drought warning has been issued, and the county is embracing voluntary water-saving measures, while strongly discouraging open-air burning.

Moler wrote that conditions will be monitored “continually” to ensure that the state of emergency remains in place for as long as it is justified.

According to the NOAA Drought Monitor, the entire Shenandoah Valley is under a moderate-to-severe drought.

19 other Virginia counties are also under a drought watch or warning.