Old Dominion News

Another round of wintry weather is expected to affect western and northwestern Virginia early Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the Piedmont region, which will remain in effect through Saturday night.

The forecast predicts snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the area. Temperatures around freezing are anticipated to create slick road conditions early on Saturday before rising into the upper 30s later in the day. As temperatures drop below freezing again overnight, any moisture left on roads is likely to refreeze.

Travelers are advised to delay travel until later in the day when temperatures rise above freezing. Those who must drive early should monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions closely and exercise extreme caution. Pavement temperatures are expected to be below freezing overnight, making it likely that precipitation will freeze on road surfaces. Icy conditions may first appear on bridges, overpasses, ramps, shaded areas, and higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Culpeper District's nine counties, VDOT crews are prepared for the storm and will be active on roads early Saturday. If freezing rain and sleet predominate as forecasted, plows will spread salt and sand to improve traction and melt ice once precipitation begins. Should snow accumulate significantly on roadways, plows will work to clear snow and slush.

VDOT is also monitoring forecasts for another potential winter storm early next week. Residents should prepare accordingly by staying informed about upcoming weather conditions.

For safety during winter weather events, residents and motorists should plan their travel ahead of time by checking road conditions, preparing an emergency car kit, following forecasts and announcements, and limiting travel based on current conditions.

Before traveling, motorists can visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov or call 511 for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions via the 511 Virginia mobile app. It is important to check conditions along your entire route as they may vary across different regions of the state.

Local updates regarding VDOT’s Culpeper District can be found at X.com/VaDOTCulp or on their Facebook page. For more details about winter weather preparations and response strategies from VDOT, visit their winter weather webpage.