VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – Winter weather with widespread impacts is expected to start overnight Sunday in the Commonwealth. Despite the current warm temperatures, the Virginia Department of Transportation is urging motorists to watch local forecasts and conditions, and be prepared to adjust travel, as needed, due to snow expected statewide.

The current forecast indicates this will be a significant event that will impact travel throughout the state. Snowfall could reach rates of two inches per hour, which would reduce safe visibility.

VDOT reminds motorists, if there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.

Pre-treatment is not planned as the storm is expected to start as rain, which lessens the effectiveness of anti-icing materials. With the risk of high winds, contractors are on standby to assist with downed trees, branches and debris.

Winter weather driving tips:

• Give crews time to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
  • Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
  • Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
  • Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
  • Do not pass snowplows
• Visit 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.

For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

Resources:

• To report hazardous road conditions or talk to a customer service representative, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit online at vdot.virginia.gov.
• VDOT recently partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time during winter weather, when a road has not been plowed. It will also inform travelers when they are approaching a road that has been identified by other drivers as unplowed.
• Traffic information is also available on Twitter @511statewideVA; for general VDOT information, follow @VaDOT.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.