VDOT News - Northern Virginia
RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE - 4 p.m. Kathleen Leonard 703-638-9115 |
NOVA-190145 Jan. 16, 2022 |
Northern Virginia: Delay Travel and Be Alert to Ice and Refreeze
Residents asked to avoid nonessential travel Sunday through Monday; Ice is a major concern
FAIRFAX - VDOT Northern Virginia crews are mobilizing for snow, freezing rain, and rain that is forecasted to significantly impact the region Sunday and Monday.
As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts, plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather, and to be aware of the potential for black ice and nightly refreeze as temperatures remain low.
What's Happening Now
- See the Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service for precipitation from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. The forecast includes a range of snow and ice accumulations across VDOT's Northern Virginia District, as well as wind gusts as high as 40 mph and below freezing temperatures. Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
- Crews will work around the clock on state-maintained roads, focusing on clearing roads that carry the most traffic first. These include interstates, primary roads, and routes connecting public safety and emergency services. Crews can then focus on neighborhoods and lower-volume roads.
- Stay alert to messy road conditions throughout the region with the potential for a quick refreeze. Avoid overnight and early morning travel until after sunrise and temperatures improve to give trucks room to work.
- Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, causing potential icy conditions and black ice. Treat anything that looks wet as if it could be ice, especially bridges and overpasses. If there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.
Reminders for Residents and Drivers:
- Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.
- Wind gusts will possibly bring down trees, branches, and power lines. Tree removal crews will be deployed to remove trees from the roadway.
- To report downed trees or other debris in the road, residents can contact the Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or my.vdot.virginia.gov.
- Monitor road conditions on www.511virginia.org or the free mobile app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
- Follow @vadotnova and @NWS_BaltWash for real-time updates!
- Learn more about snow removal by visiting virginiadot.org/snow and viewing Northern Virginia District's fact sheet.
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