VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — Football fans should keep an eye on weather channels along with their sports feeds as they plan their Super Bowl festivities. A winter storm is forecast to dump a wintry mix on Virginia on Sunday and, while it may not set any records, the mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow may make travel hazardous through Monday morning across Piedmont Virginia.

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation are monitoring the storm and will be on duty overnight Saturday as the storm begins. They will continue working on Sunday to treat roads and respond to any reports of refreezing Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Ice is likely to form first in areas where pavement temperatures are lowest. These spots include bridges, overpasses, and ramps and at elevations such as the mountain passes on Interstate 64 and U.S. 250 in Albemarle County, U.S. 33 at Swift Run Gap in Greene County, U.S. 211 at Thornton Gap and U.S. 522 at Chester Gap in Rappahannock County.

Drivers should closely monitor weather reports and road conditions during the day on Sunday when planning evening activities. Road conditions may deteriorate quickly as temperatures fall near freezing overnight Sunday and early Monday morning. Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions. 

Since the storm is forecast to begin as rain in the Culpeper District on Sunday brine was not used for this event. The rain would wash it off the roads, rendering it ineffective.

Safety and Travel Resources

When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions. 

Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp. Visit VDOT’s winter weather page for more information about winter weather preparations and response.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, the public should contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

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