RICHMOND, Va. – Motorists planning to travel in Virginia tomorrow morning, may want to reconsider their timeline as icy conditions anticipated in the early Friday morning hours.

Winter weather has transitioned to rain throughout the Commonwealth, which will continue into the overnight hours. Beginning Friday morning, the rain will begin to taper off and freezing temperatures will enter the Commonwealth around 4 a.m. in southwest Virginia through 5 p.m. in the eastern portion of the state. Motorists should drive with caution as re-freeze is a concern for any remaining wet roadways, especially in areas along and west of the Blue Ridge, including the Interstate 81 corridor and southwest Virginia.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews will be monitoring roadways and treating icy conditions as they develop.

If traveling, motorists should pack an emergency kit and blankets, and have mobile devices fully charged in the event of a breakdown or emergency.

PLAN AHEAD WITH 511: REAL-TIME TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS

VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone.

STAY SAFE

• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Drive at lower speeds and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should be vigilant, plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.
• For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, motorists can contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
• For more about winter weather travel and VDOT’s preparation and response, visit VDOT’s winter weather                                 

(END)

*Note to media: Check with the VDOT district in your area about specific local operations before, during and after the weather event.