Residents of the Shenandoah Valley likely to wake up to snow on Friday

When residents of the Shenandoah Valley wake up on Friday morning, there may be a few inches of snow on the ground.

A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service with snow possible from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday for Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg and surrounding areas.

In higher elevations in Highland and Augusta counties, localized totals of four inches is possible. Other areas will likely have snow accumulations of one to three inches, according to the NWS.

A light freezing drizzle is also possible as the snow comes to an end Friday afternoon.

Virginia State Police said it will adjust staffing as necessary to respond to weather-related events.

The Virginia Department of Transportation pre-treated roads on Thursday to prepare for whatever Mother Nature brings to the region.

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ICYMI

• Friday commute in Virginia may be slippery with snow, sleet, freezing rain in the forecast

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VDOT recommends postponing travel if possible until temperatures rise and conditions improve on Friday afternoon. Roads may become slick again Friday evening into Saturday morning as temperatures drop into the 20s.

The transportation agency also reminds residents that when it comes to clearing the roads, its first priority is the interstates, followed by primary roads and major secondary roads.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information, dial 511.

Virginia State Police: Tips for driving in the snow

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• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Clear all of the snow off of your vehicle.  This prevents snow from blowing back onto your vehicle and limiting your vision, or coming off of your vehicle and impacting other drivers’ vision.
• Slow your speed. Though State Police works closely with VDOT to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
• Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injuries in a crash.
• Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Be prepared. Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.