Snowfall early Friday morning has led to slick road conditions across the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands, with some counties reporting about two inches of accumulation. The winter storm is moving through the region from south to north.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recommends that drivers delay travel if possible until weather improves. For those who must be on the roads, VDOT urges caution, particularly on bridges and overpasses which are more prone to freezing.
VDOT crews pre-treated interstates and major routes on Thursday. Employees and contractors in the Staunton District are actively plowing and treating roads, continuing operations until travel is considered safe.
As of 4:30 a.m., road conditions in the Staunton District’s 11 counties varied:
– Interstate 81 had moderate conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta, and Shenandoah counties; minor in Rockingham County; clear in Frederick County.
– Interstate 64 showed moderate conditions in Alleghany, Rockbridge, and Augusta counties.
– Interstate 66 was clear in Warren County.
– Primary and secondary roads ranged from moderate to clear depending on location.
VDOT defines road conditions 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.”
For real-time updates, motorists can dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website, or use its mobile app for color-coded maps and county-by-county listings. The VDOT Customer Service Center operates around the clock at 800-367-7623 or through its website for reporting hazards or requesting services related to transportation.
“VDOT advises motorists to postpone travel if possible until snow tapers off and conditions improve. Those who must travel should drive slowly and cautiously. Be especially careful on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.”
“The Virginia Department of Transportation pre-treated interstates and other major routes on Thursday. Employees and contractors of the VDOT Staunton District are plowing and treating roadways as needed, and will continue snow-removal operations until conditions are safe for travel.”
The Staunton District covers Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.