Virginia: Weather advisory warns of snow, sleet making travel ‘nearly impossible’

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for a large portion of Virginia with snow and sleet expected through noon on Thursday.

The advisory begins at 7 p.m. tonight and includes portions of central, northwest and western Virginia, according to the National Weather Service. Areas impacted could include Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Winchester and the Washington, D.C. area.

Mixed precipitation is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch.

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice.

“Travel could be nearly impossible,” according to the special weather statement.

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ICYMI

• Virginians should prepare now for icy conditions with two storms on the way

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The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is mobilizing resources to prepare for the storm. Crews are spreading salt and sand to improve traction and melt ice after precipitation begins.

Brine will not be used in the Culpeper District because the storm is expected to begin as rain, and it would be washed off the road and ineffective.

Travel during snow, sleet and ice

If you have to travel during the storm, Virginia State Police is providing some tips for drivers.

• 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.
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation 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 injury 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.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT traffic information website.