| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-27 Feb. 25, 2007 |
Central Virginia Reports Hazardous Driving Conditions in Northern Piedmont Counties
CULPEPER – Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are dealing with a variety of road conditions from the winter storm that arrived overnight in Central Virginia.
On the district’s northern end, in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, snow accumulations up to 7 1/2 inches are reported. Crews there are still concentrating on the interstate and primary highways and secondary roads have not yet been plowed. Motorists in those areas are urged to avoid travel unless necessary and use extreme caution, particularly on the secondary routes. Interstate 66 has significant patches of snow and ice and crews are treating the road with salt and plowing as the snow accumulates. Culpeper County also reported 6 ½ inches of snow and significant snow and slush still on the roads, particularly on the secondary routes.
Farther south the snow totals are lighter, ranging from 4 inches in Madison to only 1 inch in Louisa. Interstate 64 is reported clear but there is dense fog on Afton Mountain and motorists traveling from Central Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley via I-64, Route 250 and Route 33 in Greene County should anticipate reduced visibility near the mountain summits. Most of the primary roads in Fluvanna, Louisa, Albemarle and Greene counties are wet, with only patches of slush. Crews are beginning to move to the secondary roads and will continue plowing and applying abrasives on those roads through the afternoon and evening. Motorists should continue to use caution when driving on those roads.
With the storm forecast to continue into Sunday night motorists should be aware that driving conditions may change rapidly. Unnecessary travel should be avoided. Those who must travel should allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions. If you must be on the roads during the storm and immediately after, observe the following winter driving tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
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On the district’s northern end, in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, snow accumulations up to 7 1/2 inches are reported. Crews there are still concentrating on the interstate and primary highways and secondary roads have not yet been plowed. Motorists in those areas are urged to avoid travel unless necessary and use extreme caution, particularly on the secondary routes. Interstate 66 has significant patches of snow and ice and crews are treating the road with salt and plowing as the snow accumulates. Culpeper County also reported 6 ½ inches of snow and significant snow and slush still on the roads, particularly on the secondary routes.
Farther south the snow totals are lighter, ranging from 4 inches in Madison to only 1 inch in Louisa. Interstate 64 is reported clear but there is dense fog on Afton Mountain and motorists traveling from Central Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley via I-64, Route 250 and Route 33 in Greene County should anticipate reduced visibility near the mountain summits. Most of the primary roads in Fluvanna, Louisa, Albemarle and Greene counties are wet, with only patches of slush. Crews are beginning to move to the secondary roads and will continue plowing and applying abrasives on those roads through the afternoon and evening. Motorists should continue to use caution when driving on those roads.
With the storm forecast to continue into Sunday night motorists should be aware that driving conditions may change rapidly. Unnecessary travel should be avoided. Those who must travel should allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions. If you must be on the roads during the storm and immediately after, observe the following winter driving tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
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Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
