RICHMOND, Va. – A new winter storm has hit the commonwealth. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are currently out and ready to plow and treat state maintained roadways. Crews will work in 12 hour shifts throughout the weekend for snow and ice removal and are also prepared to assist with downed trees on roadways and drainage problems that may occur from flooding.
Up to 10-inches of snowfall could affect northwestern and northern portions of the state. Freezing rain and icing is possible in many areas today as well. Motorists are advised to limit travel while VDOT crews work to clear roads of snow and ice.
If travel is necessary, motorists are reminded to check road conditions before going out. Road conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the free VDOT 511 mobile app, 511 Virginia website, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Travelers need to use extreme caution around slow-moving equipment being used to treat roads. Though driving is not recommended during this storm, drivers should allow extra space around other vehicles and travel slower than the posted speed limit in an attempt to stay safer on potentially slick pavement.
Rainfall is also expected to reach most of the state by this evening. The rain in addition to rising temperatures that will melt snow tonight and tomorrow could lead to flooded roads in some areas, especially southern and western portions of Virginia.
Additional Winter-Weather Information Sources
The following fact sheets on VDOT’s website contain more detailed information about tips for safe winter-weather driving and the agency’s snow-removal policies, budget and equipment:
- Snow-removal preparations, procedures – VDOT’s road-clearing priorities
- Estimated snow-removal budget, 2014-2015
- Available equipment by VDOT district, 2014-2015
- VDOT equipment and supplies, winter 2014-2015
- How VDOT keeps roads clear in winter – explains the processes used
Winter weather tools for clearing roads – materials VDOT uses - Be prepared for winter driving – tips on how to stay safe in snow and ice
Travel resources
- 511 and www.511virginia.org
Call 511 or use the 511 website for real-time updates on Virginia road conditions and traffic incidents.
- 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623)
Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
“Like” www.facebook.com/virginiadot to learn more about VDOT news and programs , and to receive updates.
- YouTube
Visit VDOT’s YouTube site (www.youtube.com/vdotweb) for videos on snow removal.
- VDOT’s website
- Winter travel tips and
photos ,video and audio clips of snow: www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp - How VDOT prepares for emergencies and what residents and visitors can do:www.virginiadot.org/about/emer_response.asp
- Winter travel tips and
For more winter driving information, please visit http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.
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