Snowfall is expected to end tonight across Virginia, but the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers that roads will likely remain icy into tomorrow morning. The agency is advising motorists to avoid travel until temperatures rise and crews have been able to retreat roadways.
Officials say both air and road temperatures are forecasted to drop overnight, which could cause any remaining snow on roads to freeze and create hazardous driving conditions. Refreezing may also occur in areas where melted snow or ice turns back into ice on the pavement. VDOT crews will continue working through the night, patrolling and treating state-maintained roads with salt and sand.
VDOT explained its approach for clearing snow: “VDOT prioritizes state-maintained roads that carry the most traffic for snow treatment and removal. The agency works to make interstates and most primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) safe first. Crews also focus on major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and higher) with vital emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes. Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available.”
Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads if possible until conditions improve.
