Old Dominion News

Motorists are advised to avoid travel on Tuesday, February 11, due to expected heavy snowfall in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. The forecast also includes sleet and freezing rain in some areas, leading to hazardous driving conditions.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Staunton District urges the public to refrain from roadway travel during this weather event. "It is important to stay off roadways and let snow removal crews work," officials said. All travel should be planned before or after the adverse weather conditions.

VDOT Staunton District crews and contractors will monitor, plow, and treat roads as needed. Special attention will be given to bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Motorists should also be cautious of falling tree limbs and debris caused by heavy wet snow or ice.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts closely since conditions can change rapidly. Weather systems can vary significantly across different regions of Virginia.

The VDOT Staunton District covers Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.

Road-clearing priorities have been outlined:

- Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are prioritized.

- Primary roads and major secondary roads with essential facilities or high traffic volumes will be cleared alongside interstate highways as resources permit.

- Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be addressed once higher-priority routes are completed.

For real-time updates on road conditions, visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/. The website offers traffic cameras, current crash locations, weather conditions, and more. Users can subscribe for 511 alerts sent directly to their devices. Roads with snow or ice conditions are classified as minor, moderate, severe or closed on the site.

Definitions for road conditions include:

- Closed: Road is not accessible to any traffic.

- Severe: Drifting or partially blocked roads.

- Moderate: Snow or ice present on major portions of the roadway.

- Minor: Mostly bare pavement with isolated patches of snow or ice; caution is advised when driving.

Additional information is available on VDOT's website at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov by searching "winter weather" for tips on driving safety and other resources.

For a text listing of weather-related road conditions visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/ under “Road Reports” followed by “Road Conditions.” This feature allows users to view specific county information through a pull-down menu. Apps for Virginia’s 511 system are available for both Android and iOS devices.

The VDOT Customer Service Center is accessible via its mobile-friendly site at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623). Agents provide assistance around the clock throughout the year.

Updates from the Staunton District can be followed on X (Twitter) @VaDOTStaunton or Facebook group pages. Statewide accounts include Facebook, Flickr, YouTube along with X feeds such as @VaDOTHR for Hampton Roads; @VaDOTRVA for Richmond; @VaDOTNOVA for Northern Virginia; among others including Staunton @VaDOTStaunton.