Road crews in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands are continuing efforts to clear state-maintained roads after a snowfall Friday morning. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), snow accumulation ranged from a trace up to three inches, with the highest amounts reported in the southern part of the region.
VDOT reports that conditions are improving as of midday Friday, but advises drivers to remain cautious. “Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing Friday night into early Saturday morning, so wet roadways could refreeze. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses are especially prone to refreezing,” VDOT stated.
Plows and salt spreaders have been deployed throughout the 11-county Staunton District. As of 11:30 a.m., interstate highways were mostly clear or had minor patches of snow or slush. Most primary roads also had minor issues, while secondary roads were reported to be in minor to moderate condition.
VDOT recommends motorists check current travel conditions before driving by using Virginia’s 511 system, which provides real-time updates via phone, website, and mobile app. The service displays road conditions on a color-coded map and offers county-by-county text listings. Road conditions are classified as follows: Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush; Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the road; Severe – drifting or partially blocked road; Closed – road is closed to all traffic.
The VDOT Customer Service Center is available around the clock for reporting hazards, making service requests, or obtaining information about Virginia’s transportation network through its website or by calling 800-367-7623.
The Staunton District includes Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Updates can also be found on social media platforms Facebook and X.