Sleet, snow and freezing rain are expected to gradually exit the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands Thursday afternoon, but the storm has left slippery driving conditions behind. The northernmost part of the valley has received several inches of snow, while central and southern portions report primarily sleet and freezing rain.
Motorists throughout the region should expect refreezing Thursday night, which could create icy road conditions for the Friday commute. Bridges, overpasses and less-traveled secondary roads are most susceptible to refreezing conditions. Drivers should also be alert for roadways blocked by fallen trees, limbs or utility lines.
The Virginia Department of Transportation continues to treat roadways with chemicals and abrasives, and will plow roads where needed. All drivers are asked to use extreme caution and allow extra time to reach their destination. Always use seatbelts. Please check 511Virginia.org for road conditions and highway cameras.
Here are the road conditions as of 4 p.m. in the VDOT Staunton District:
- Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Augusta County. Minor conditions in Rockbridge County. Clear conditions in Alleghany County.
- Interstate 66 – Moderate conditions in Warren County.
- Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties.
- Primary roads – Moderate conditions in Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties. Moderate to minor conditions in Rockbridge County. Minor conditions in Bath and Highland counties. Clear conditions in Alleghany County.
- Secondary roads – Moderate conditions in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren counties. Minor conditions in Bath and Highland counties. Clear conditions in Alleghany County.
For winter weather road conditions go to http://www.511Virginia.org, look at the orange bar on the top of the page and click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull down box that lists all jurisdictions. In this box individual counties can be chosen to view.
On the go? Then visit VDOT’s Free Virginia 511 Tools to get your 511 app for android or iOS. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are on site 24/7 every day of the year to assist the public. People can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).
The Staunton District Snow Page is on the VDOT website under Travel Center Snow Emergency Pages. The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
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Chris Graham
