Old Dominion News

The Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands experienced a significant snowfall, leading to hazardous road conditions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working to clear the roads in the Staunton District after some areas received up to a foot of snow. An additional wintry mix is expected on Wednesday, potentially adding ice to already plowed roads.

VDOT urges residents to stay off the roads while crews work around the clock in 12-hour shifts to make them safe. The priority for clearing starts with interstates and key primary routes, followed by secondary roads and subdivisions.

As of early Wednesday morning, road conditions vary across the district's 11 counties:

- Interstate 64 has moderate conditions in Alleghany and Rockbridge counties and minor conditions in Augusta County.

- Interstate 66 reports minor conditions in Warren County.

- Interstate 81 faces moderate conditions in Rockbridge County and minor ones in Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Frederick counties.

- Primary roads show moderate conditions in several counties including Alleghany and Rockbridge.

- Secondary roads are also mostly under moderate conditions.

Travelers are advised to check weather sources and road condition updates at 511Virginia before making any essential trips. This service provides traffic cameras, crash locations, weather updates, and alerts. Roads are categorized as minor, moderate, severe or closed based on their condition.

VDOT's snow removal prioritizes interstate highways first. Primary routes follow next as resources permit. Low-volume secondary roads will be addressed once higher-priority routes are cleared.

Additional information can be found on VDOT's website or by contacting their Customer Service Center available around the clock at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623). Updates can also be accessed through VDOT’s social media channels such as Twitter @VaDOTStaunton or on Facebook.

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