Old Dominion News

A winter storm is predicted to impact the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula starting Wednesday morning. Snowfall is expected to continue through Thursday morning, leading to hazardous travel conditions as roads become snow-covered and slippery.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) advises drivers to reach their destinations before the snow begins. Once the storm starts, VDOT recommends avoiding driving until conditions improve. This approach not only ensures safety but also aids VDOT crews in their snow removal efforts by reducing traffic on the roads.

Snow accumulation will vary across regions within the 14-county Fredericksburg District. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated in Mathews and Gloucester counties on the eastern end of the Middle Peninsula, with predictions of 8 inches or more. Other areas may receive between 3-8 inches, while up to 4 inches are forecast for Fredericksburg.

Road conditions could be worse south and southeast of the district, affecting Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. Residents are advised to stay updated with local news for weather forecasts relevant to their routes.

VDOT plans to deploy approximately 1,100 pieces of equipment for snow plowing and road treatment throughout the district. Over 200 pieces will focus on Interstate 95 alone. Tree crews will assist with clearing any fallen trees due to heavy snow combined with recent rain-soaked soils. Towing services will ensure quick clearance of incidents on I-95 and Route 1.

In preparation for the storm, VDOT has pre-treated major roads with a brine solution designed to prevent bonding of snow and ice with pavement surfaces.

VDOT's strategy prioritizes making interstates and primary roads passable first—routes numbered from 1 to 599, including Route 610 in Stafford County—and then focuses on major secondary roads that connect essential services or have high traffic volumes. Crews will subsequently address low-volume secondary roads once primary routes are manageable.

Crews work continuously in shifts around-the-clock during storms until all state-maintained roads are accessible. Emergency vehicle access paths have been cleared, though these may still be snow-packed without bare pavement or curb-to-curb plowing initially.