VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun mobilizing to prepare crews and equipment for the return of snow, high winds and sub-freezing temperatures that will decrease visibility and make roads unsafe for travel this weekend.

Areas along the Interstate 81 corridor are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Snowfall of up to 1 inch per hour during the peak of the storm along with strong winds will severely impact visibility and make roads unsafe for travel. Sub-freezing temperatures across the commonwealth will arrive by Saturday evening and any wet pavement should be considered ice throughout the weekend.

VDOT crews will be staged in impacted regions for treatment operations, which will include plowing in areas once 2 inches of snow has accumulated on pavement, and spreading sand and salt on icy patches or slick spots as needed to improve traction. Teams will patrol and monitor roads until conditions improve.

Motorists should not travel during and after winter weather late tonight and on Saturday, as unsafe driving conditions are expected across Virginia.

Remember:

• The safest place to be during a winter storm is inside. Stay home during winter weather and avoid nonessential travel.
• When visibility is poor; driving is hazardous.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
• Make travel arrangements to avoid driving during and after snowfall
• Monitor forecasts along your entire route, as forecasts may vary in different parts of the state and can worsen quickly
• Slow down and allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Review and be familiar with alternative routes to your destination
• Clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving
• Avoid passing snowplows and other heavy equipment or following too closely to allow VDOT crews room to work
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.
• Call 911 if you have an emergency.
• Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.

For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

Other Resources:

• To report hazardous road conditions or talk to a customer service representative, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.
• VDOT partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time during winter weather, when a road has not been plowed. It will also inform travelers when they are approaching a road that has been identified by other drivers as unplowed.
• Traffic information is also available on Twitter @511statewideVA; for general VDOT information, follow @VaDOT.

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