Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gearing up for a winter storm expected to bring sleet and freezing rain to western and northwestern Virginia. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the Piedmont region, with precipitation anticipated to start Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday morning. Freezing rain is likely to create icy road conditions during the Thursday morning commute.

VDOT urges residents not to travel during the storm. Those who must be on the road before the storm hits should closely monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions, exercising extreme caution as conditions are expected to worsen quickly when air temperatures drop below freezing. Pavement temperatures are also projected to fall, with significant ice accumulations up to one-quarter inch expected by Thursday morning. Icy spots will first appear on bridges, overpasses, ramps, and shaded areas.

In response, VDOT is mobilizing resources in nine counties within the Culpeper District. Crews will work overnight on Wednesday, spreading salt and sand after precipitation begins to improve traction and melt ice. Due to the forecasted rain at the onset of the storm, brine will not be used as it would wash away.

VDOT advises residents and motorists to plan travel ahead of time when winter weather strikes. They should check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements, and limit travel based on prevailing conditions.

Before traveling, motorists can visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov or call 511 for current information on road and traffic conditions. It's important to check conditions along your entire route as they may vary across different regions of the state.

Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District can be found on X.com/VaDOTCulp or their Facebook page. For more information about winter weather preparations and responses from VDOT, visit their winter weather page.