Another week, another winter storm: Don't let your guard down

RICHMOND, Va. —  Another week is here, and another winter storm system is expected to develop across the commonwealth, bringing widespread snow to much of the state with a slight chance of wintry mix in the southeast.  

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are pretreating roads in anticipation of the storm, which is expected to reach the commonwealth Wednesday morning through Thursday. As crews conduct pretreatment activities, drivers should allow them extra space to do their work. 

Snow accumulation across regions of the commonwealth will vary but is expected for most. The heaviest snowfall could bring as much as 6 to 12 inches to southeast Virginia. Given potential impacts, VDOT snow operations could last for multiple days. Motorists should monitor their local forecasts, plan travels around the weather, and stay off the roads once the storm arrives. The patience and cooperation of travelers remaining off the roads during and following the storm is critical for crews to operate safely and efficiently. 

Visit VDOT’s Districts webpage for more details in your area and be sure to monitor local forecasts for specific timing and weather information. 

VDOT is responsible for snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while all cities and some towns maintain their roads, including Arlington and Henrico counties. VDOT may support cities and towns, if requested. Snow removal priorities are as follows: 

·    The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s first priority. 

·    Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow. 

·    Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available. 

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions such as downed trees or power lines, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).  

For more about winter weather travel, visit VDOT’s weather page.