RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) – With winter’s first official snow of the season just hours away, officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) say they’re ready, but they won’t be pre-treating area roadways ahead of the storm.
“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.”
Statement released on Jan. 2, 2022 by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Overnight, a low pressure system will move to our south. Precipitation will begin as rain but as the overnight hours transition to early-morning — before sunrise — we are expecting a full transition to snow.
Snow will likely fall through the morning commute on Monday and is expected to be heavy at times.
VDOT urges motorists to watch for updated forecasts and conditions and to prepare to adjust travel, as needed, due to snowfall forecasts throughout Virginia. They say that if there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.
Recently, VDOT has partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time, 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 at unplowed.
VDOT is also offering the following tips for drivers commuting in snow and ice:
- 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.
Drivers can find updated information on state road conditions at 511virginia.org.
Travel information can also be found on Twitter at @511statewideVA
For details on winter travel, click here.
To report hazardous road conditions or to talk to a customer service representative at VDOT, call 1-800-FOR ROAD (1-800-367-7623) or click here to submit information online.
