Virginia Travel Advisory: Avoid These Regions This Sunday to Monday!

RICHMOND, Va. — VDOT is cautioning drivers against traveling in certain regions of Virginia from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Perilous conditions are anticipated overnight into Monday morning as snowfall is forecasted to occur at a rate of one inch per hour, with accumulation potentially reaching between 5 to 12 inches in Northern Virginia, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and sections of Central Virginia. 

Travel is discouraged throughout the rest of the state during the same period, as a combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will create hazardous driving situations. Low temperatures expected throughout the week are likely to cause re-freeze and further difficulties for snow removal efforts as well as driving conditions.

The severity of the storm will lead to conditions that necessitate multi-day operations to make roadways navigable, meaning travelers will not see bare road immediately. Snow removal procedures will require time, and the safety of both crews and the traveling public is of utmost importance. Reducing the number of vehicles on the roads will enhance safety for all and enable crews to execute their tasks more effectively and safely.

Winter weather has already set in across Virginia, and road conditions are swiftly declining. Crews are actively treating areas in the western part of the state. In regions bracing for the incoming storm, crews are prepped and ready to start plowing and treatment operations as conditions dictate. 

VDOT’S SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES  

VDOT is accountable for snow clearance on all roads maintained by the state, while each city and several towns, such as Arlington and Henrico counties, are responsible for their own roadways. VDOT may offer assistance to cities and towns if requested.  

Snow removal priorities are outlined as follows: 

• The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s top priority. 
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and above) serving critical emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes will be cleared alongside interstate and limited-access roads as resources permit. 
• Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be addressed after the higher-priority routes have been cleared and when additional resources become available. 

DETAILS ON ROAD CONDITIONS