Virginia on High Alert: Brace for a Powerful Winter Storm This Weekend!

VDOT is cautioning drivers against embarking on trips due to severe weather conditions.

The complete statement can be located below:

DO NOT TRAVEL IN SECTIONS OF VIRGINIA SUNDAY INTO MONDAY

Severe winter weather is expected to create perilous road conditions

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

Travel is not advised throughout the remainder of the commonwealth during the same period, as a combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will lead to dangerous driving conditions. Cold temperatures throughout the week are predicted to cause re-freezing and provide additional challenges for snow removal operations and driving safety.

The severity of the storm will create conditions necessitating multi-day operations to make roads navigable, which means that travelers should not expect to see clear pavement immediately. Snow removal efforts will require time, and the safety of operational crews and the traveling public is of utmost importance. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road will assist in ensuring safety and enable crews to carry out their work in a safer and more efficient manner.

Winter weather has already begun affecting Virginia, and road conditions are rapidly worsening. Crews are actively treating areas in the western portion of the commonwealth. In regions preparing for the incoming storm, crews are positioned and ready to initiate plowing and treatment efforts when conditions allow.

VDOT’S SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES

VDOT is accountable for snow clearance on all state-maintained roads, 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 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 essential emergency and public facilities, or those experiencing high-traffic volumes, will be cleared alongside interstates and limited-access roadways as resources permit.

Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be addressed following the completion of higher-priority routes and once additional resources are made available.

INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS

If travel is absolutely necessary, verify roadway conditions using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which provides updates on road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and more. Information is also accessible at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

For inquiries or to report hazardous road conditions, reach VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). For more information regarding winter weather travel, visit VDOT’s weather page.