Snow Emergency Blog: The latest on road conditions and more
February 5, 2010 by afp
Filed under *AFP.com News/Events
Moderated by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
The Shenandoah Valley is under a state of emergency with the winter storm that is expected to dump as much as 30 inches of snow on the area this weekend.
The Snow Emergency Blog has the latest on road conditions from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the latest on the availability of emergency shelters from the local governments in Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro.
Look for updates from the AFP in the Comments section.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 10:22 am
The Virginia Department of Transportation and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro are asking local residents to park vehicles in driveways or otherwise off local- and state-maintained streets and roads to allow snow-plow drivers to do their thing.
VDOT is responsible for snow-removal operations in Augusta County. A press release from the local Staunton office includes the tip that moving cars out of roadways makes it less likely for cars and trucks to be plowed in inadvertently due to snow-removal work.
A similar message was sounded in the cities. Waynesboro city officials also advised residents to wait until snow plows make their first pass before digging out to avoid having to dig out twice and to remove snow from fire hydrants on their property to save time for emergency crews in the event of a localized emergency situation.
The city has also set up a page on the city website for residents to monitor the status of snow removal – http://www.waynesboro.va.us/snow-report.php.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 10:22 am
Staunton City Manager Stephen Owen and Police Chief Jim Williams have declared a snow emergency in advance of the pending winter storm this weekend. The declaration includes a prohibition of parking on several downtown streets to facilitate snow-removal efforts during and after the storm.
The parking prohibitions during the snow emergency include:
- Beverley Street from Lewis to Market
- Central Avenue from Frederick to Johnson
- New Street from Frederick to Johnson
- Market Street from Frederick to Kalorama
- Byers Street from Lewis to Johnson
Appropriate signs shall be posted along such routes to give notice of such prohibition.
This declaration and regulation shall be in effect until such time that the city manager and police chief declare otherwise.
Free parking in the Wharf Lot, Johnson Street and New Street parking garages, Augusta and Hardy parking lots, will be available all day on Friday, Feb. 5, and through the weekend until the snow emergency is lifted.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 10:24 am
Update from Staunton: The Silver Trolley in Staunton will cease service today at 10:30 a.m., and the Green Trolley will not run due to weather conditions.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 11:00 am
10:30 a.m. update from VDOT: Snow is falling throughout the Shenandoah Valley this morning and is expected to continue for some time. Virginia Department of Transportation crews are out on rotating 12-hour shifts plowing and treating roads.
Motorists should not travel during winter weather unless it is absolutely necessary. The heavy snowfall that is predicted could cause hazardous conditions even when roads are plowed and treated
Drivers are asked to park their vehicles in driveways or off state maintained roads, if possible, to assist plow operators with snow removal and prevent vehicles from getting plowed-in along the roadside.
Friday Morning Road Conditions:
Interstate 66 – Clear conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Alleghany County. Minor conditions in Rockbridge County. Clear conditions in Augusta County.
Interstate 81 – Minor conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta and Rockingham counties. Clear conditions in Shenandoah and Frederick counties.
Primary roads – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland and Rockingham counties. Minor conditions in Augusta, Warren and Page counties. Clear conditions in Shenandoah, Frederick and Clarke counties.
Secondary roads – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Minor conditions in Augusta, Warren, Page and Clarke counties.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People should not drive unless absolutely necessary. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-866-MY511VA (866-695-1182). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 4:50 pm
4 p.m. update from VDOT: Snow has been falling in the Shenandoah Valley during the daylight hours today. Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors are fully deployed plowing and treating roads. VDOT is urging the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Colder temperatures and a forecasted increase in snow intensity for the nighttime hours could create very hazardous driving conditions.
Here are the road conditions for early evening:
Interstate 66 – Minor conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions from mile-marker 0 to 16 in Alleghany County and all of Augusta County including Afton Mountain. Minor conditions from mile-markers 15 to 41 in Alleghany County and all of Rockbridge County.
Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Minor conditions in Rockbridge and Augusta counties.
Primary roads are in moderate condition in Warren, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Minor conditions are in Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Page counties.
Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Minor conditions are in Page County.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 6:24 pm
6:15 p.m. update from VDOT: Icing conditions are beginning to materialize on Shenandoah Valley roadways. Road temperatures have hovered around freezing all day, but with the onset of nightfall, road temperatures are rapidly lowering below the freezing mark.
Roads showing bare pavement may be icy in some areas. Motorists are advised not to drive. If driving is necessary, extreme caution should be used. Drivers should plan for extra time to get to their destinations.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate as heavy snow and high winds enter the region overnight. Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors are fully deployed and will continue plowing and treating roads throughout the storm.
It is critical during periods of heavy snow and high winds that motorists stay off the roads and let the plows do their work. Travelers are advised to leave the roadway area and seek parking areas and safe shelter during the storm. Wherever possible, vehicles should be parked in driveways, parking lots or off-road parking and not on the state maintained roads. VDOT is also asking drivers not to pull off and park on the interstate and primary road shoulders.
Road conditions are currently in moderate condition throughout the Shenandoah Valley but could deteriorate to severe in some areas if heavy snow and high winds occur.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 8:02 pm
7:40 p.m. update from VDOT: The Virginia Department of Transportation has been advised that the parking lot is full at the Pilot Truck Stop at Interstate 81 exit 213 in Greenville. This location is south of Staunton in Augusta County.
VDOT has placed electronic signs along I-81 advising truckers to proceed on the interstate and bypass exit 213. Truckers are not to park along the interstate exit ramp or along the I-81 shoulders.
Virginia State Police will be in the area to help enforce the shoulder and ramp parking ban.
Road conditions continue to rapidly deteriorate in the Shenandoah Valley. Numerous accidents are being reported along I-81 and other areas of the Valley. Interstate, primary and secondary roads are mostly covered with snow. VDOT crews and contractors are fully deployed and will continue plowing and treating roads throughout the storm.
It is critical during periods of heavy snow and high winds that motorists stay off the roads and let the plows do their work. Travelers are advised to leave the roadway area and seek parking areas and safe shelter during the storm. Wherever possible, vehicles should be parked in driveways, parking lots or off-road parking and not on the state maintained roads. VDOT is also asking drivers not to pull off and park on the interstate and primary road shoulders.
Road conditions in many areas of the Commonwealth of Virginia are deteriorating to severe condition with the onset of heavy snow and high winds.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
afp on Fri, 5th Feb 2010 10:21 pm
10 p.m. Friday update from VDOT: Road conditions continue to deteriorate in the Shenandoah Valley as midnight approaches. Moderate to heavy snowfall plus gusting winds have caused plowed roadways to remain snow covered.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors are fully deployed plowing and treating roads. VDOT is urging the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Many truck stops along Interstate 81 have full lots or are close to having full lots. The Pilot Truck Stop at exit 213 in Greenville in Augusta County is full as is the Flying J Truck Stop at exit 296 in Frederick County. Ramps to exit 323 north of Winchester are closed.
Here are the road conditions for tonight:
Interstate 66 – Moderate conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties, including Afton Mountain.
Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties.
Primary roads are in severe condition in Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Moderate conditions are in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Clarke, Warren and Page counties.
Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
afp on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 12:57 am
12:15 a.m. Saturday update from VDOT: The ramps to exit 291 on Interstate 81 are closed, and the Wilco Hess Truck Stop at that exit is full. This location is at Route 651/Toms Brook.
Other truck stops along Interstate 81 reached full capacity earlier tonight. The Pilot Truck Stop at exit 213 in Greenville in Augusta County is full as is the Flying J Truck Stop at exit 296 in Frederick County. Ramps to exit 323 north of Winchester are closed.
Virginia Department of Transportation is strongly advising the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary. VDOT crews and contractors are fully deployed plowing and treating roads.
Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-866-MY511VA (866-695-1182). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.
afp on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 11:16 am
11 a.m. Saturday update from VDOT: Heavy snowfall continues to create severe road conditions in northern portions of the Shenandoah Valley. Strong wind gusts are also occurring throughout the Valley causing snow to drift back onto plowed roadways.
The Virginia Department of Transportation warns motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary. VDOT crews and contractors are fully mobilized and responding to roadway impacts.
Saturday Mid-morning Road Conditions:
Interstate 66 – Severe conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties, including Afton Mountain.
Interstate 81 – Severe conditions in Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Moderate conditions in Rockbridge and Augusta counties.
Primary roads are in severe condition in Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren, Page and Clarke counties. Moderate conditions are in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Augusta, Highland and Rockingham counties.
Secondary roads are in severe condition in Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren, Page and Clarke counties. Moderate conditions are in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge and Highland counties.
Patty Clare on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 1:40 pm
I’m worried about losing power. Where are the emergency shelters in Waynesboro?
afp on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 2:03 pm
We haven’t gotten word that the city has decided to open a shelter as of yet. The shelter location is Kate Collins Middle School.
afp on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 5:45 pm
5 p.m. Saturday update from VDOT: Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors continue to plow roadways through out the Staunton District. Crews remain working in 12-hour shifts and will continue to work through the night and tomorrow.
Due to the high snow volume most crews have focused on interstate and primary roads. As these roads are completed more crews will begin working on secondary roads. The public is advised that it may be a few days before all roads receive at least one pass by a snow plow. This does not mean the road will be down to bare pavement.
All lanes on Interstate 81 northbound are open from mile marker 232 to mile marker 235 in northern Augusta County near the Rockingham County line. The lanes were closed earlier due to a backup from a disabled vehicle. At one point the back up was reported to be eight miles long by the VDOT Staunton Traffic Operations Center.
VDOT continues to discourage all but the most necessary travel as snow plows continue to plow and treat the roadways.
Road conditions vary throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Here are the conditions for early evening:
Interstate 66 – Severe conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Augusta County. Clear conditions in Rockbridge and Alleghany counties.
Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Clear conditions in Rockbridge County.
Primary roads – Moderate conditions in Rockingham, Clarke, Page, Warren, Frederick and Shenandoah counties. Moderate to minor conditions in Augusta and Highland counties. Minor conditions in Alleghany, Bath and Rockbridge counties.
Southbounder on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 8:40 pm
Stuck in Martinsburg wv. with i-81 south single lane back to back semis going stop and go…..Why can’t crews get some of the traffic off so they can do their job.Force them off if need be.One section at a time.To me it is unacceptable to see this while the crews hide behind the traffic excuse….
afp on Sat, 6th Feb 2010 9:39 pm
9 p.m. Saturday update from VDOT: As roads become plowed, wet surfaces should be expected to turn icy tonight as temperatures dip into low teens. At these temperatures salt and ice melting chemicals loose some of their effectiveness. Motorists should be extremely cautious on exit ramps and bridges, particularly along the Interstate 81 corridor in the northern Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews and contractors continue to plow roadways throughout the Staunton District. Crews remain working in 12-hour shifts and will continue to work through the night and tomorrow.
Due to the high snow volume most crews have focused on interstate and primary roads. As these roads are completed more crews will begin working on secondary roads. The public is advised that it may be a few days before all roads receive at least one pass by a snow plow. This does not mean the road will be down to bare pavement.
VDOT continues to discourage all but the most necessary travel as snow plows continue to plow and treat the roadways.
Road conditions vary throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Here are the conditions for the nighttime hours:
Interstate 64 – Minor conditions in Augusta County. Clear conditions in Rockbridge and Alleghany counties.
Interstate 66 – Severe conditions in Warren County.
Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties. Clear conditions in Rockbridge County.
Primary roads – Moderate conditions in Rockingham, Clarke, Page, Warren, Frederick and Shenandoah counties. Moderate to minor conditions in Augusta and Highland counties. Minor conditions in Bath and Rockbridge counties. Clear conditions in Alleghany County.
Secondary roads are in severe condition in Augusta, Rockingham, Clarke, Page, Warren, Frederick and Shenandoah counties. Moderate conditions are in Bath, Rockbridge and Highland counties. Minor conditions are in Alleghany County.