Old Dominion News

A winter storm is set to hit the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands, bringing snow and freezing rain that will lead to dangerous road conditions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises against traveling on Tuesday to allow their crews to clear roads safely.

The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall by mid-morning, creating slick surfaces and reduced visibility. Sleet and freezing rain are anticipated later in the day, compounding travel difficulties. VDOT has dispatched plows across its 11-county Staunton District, which includes Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.

For those who must travel despite warnings, VDOT recommends checking local weather forecasts and road conditions through 511Virginia. The service provides updates via its website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/, as well as apps for Android and iOS devices. Users can view traffic cameras, crash locations, weather updates, and receive alerts directly on their devices.

Road conditions are classified as closed, severe (drifting or partially blocked), moderate (snow or ice on major parts of the roadway), or minor (bare pavement with isolated spots of snow or ice). VDOT prioritizes clearing interstates and primary routes first before addressing secondary roads.

Additional information is available on VDOT's website at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/, which features a dedicated page for weather-related travel updates. For assistance from the VDOT Customer Service Center, individuals can visit https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ or call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

Social media users can follow the Staunton District X feed @VaDOTStaunton for further updates. VDOT maintains statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube for broader communication efforts.