Virginia Travel Advisory: Avoid Certain Areas This Weekend!

RICHMOND, Va. — VDOT is notifying drivers to refrain from traveling in certain areas of Virginia from Sunday afternoon into Monday. Dangerous conditions are anticipated overnight into Monday morning as snowfall is forecasted at a rate of one inch per hour, with accumulations potentially reaching 5 to 12 inches in Northern Virginia, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and portions of Central Virginia. 

Travel is discouraged across the remainder of the commonwealth during the same timeframe, as a combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will also contribute to perilous driving conditions. Low temperatures throughout the week are likely to result in re-freezing and further obstacles for cleanup efforts and driving conditions. 

The severity of the storm will create conditions that necessitate multi-day operations to make roads navigable, meaning travelers will not see clear pavement immediately. Snow removal efforts will take time, and the safety of crews and the traveling public is of utmost importance. Fewer vehicles on the roads will assist in ensuring everyone’s safety and enable crews to carry out their work more safely and efficiently. 

Winter weather has already arrived in Virginia, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Crews are currently treating regions in the western part of the commonwealth. In areas expecting the approaching storm, crews are on standby and prepared to commence plowing and treatment operations as conditions permit. 

VDOT’S SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES  

VDOT is responsible for snow removal on all roads maintained by the state, while cities and some towns, including Arlington and Henrico counties, manage their own roads. VDOT may assist cities and towns if requested.  

Snow removal priorities are categorized as follows: 

• The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roads are VDOT’s highest priority.
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and higher) with essential emergency and public facilities, or those experiencing high traffic volumes, will be cleared alongside interstate and limited-access roads as resources permit.
• Low-traffic secondary roads and residential streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and once additional resources are available.

INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS  

free 511 mobile application, which provides details on road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and more. Additional information is accessible at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by dialing 511 while in Virginia. 

For inquiries or to report hazardous road conditions, please contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting  my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). To learn more about winter weather travel, check out VDOT’s weather page.