Several inches of snow combined with freezing overnight temperatures have created icy road conditions in the central and southern Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). On Tuesday morning, temperatures ranged from the teens to low 20s, turning wet or slushy surfaces into hazardous ice. VDOT has advised drivers to avoid travel in these areas until temperatures rise well above freezing and road conditions improve.
“The Virginia Department of Transportation continues plowing and treating roads as needed, and will continue until conditions are safe for travel. Interstates are VDOT’s first priority, followed by primary roads and major secondary roads with high traffic volumes or vital public facilities. Low-volume secondaries and subdivision streets are treated after priority routes are completed and additional resources are available,” a VDOT spokesperson stated.
As of 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, VDOT reported that Interstate 81 had minor conditions in Augusta and Rockingham counties but was clear in Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Frederick counties. Interstate 64 had minor conditions in Augusta and Rockingham counties, while Alleghany County was clear. Interstate 66 was reported clear in Warren County.
Primary roads were experiencing moderate conditions in Augusta and Bath counties; minor conditions were present in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Highland, Rockingham, and Page counties; while Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties reported clear conditions. Secondary roads faced moderate issues in Augusta, Bath, and Rockbridge counties; minor issues in Alleghany, Highland, Rockingham, and Page counties; with clear conditions elsewhere.
VDOT recommends motorists check their entire route before traveling because road conditions can vary throughout Virginia. The agency provides real-time updates through its 511 Virginia website, which displays road status on a color-coded map as well as county-by-county text listings.
Road condition definitions provided by VDOT include:
– Minor: bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.
– Moderate: snow or ice on major portions of the road.
– Severe: drifting or partially blocked road.
– Closed: road is closed to all traffic.
The VDOT Customer Service Center operates around the clock to assist roadway users with hazard reports or service requests related to Virginia’s transportation network. Assistance is available via their mobile-friendly website or by calling 800-367-7623.
The Staunton District covers Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Updates from the district can also be found on Facebook and X.
