| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-TA-07-09 Dec. 7, 2007 |
Icing Conditions Reported Across Central Va.; Extreme Caution Advised
ICING CONDITIONS REPORTED ACROSS CENTRAL VIRGINIA; EXTREME CAUTION ADVISED
CULPEPER – Freezing rain mixed with sleet is falling across much of Central Virginia at this hour and multiple crashes have been reported. Route 29 is closed south of Culpeper due to a jackknifed tractor-trailer. Icing conditions are also reported on Interstate 64 from eastern Albemarle east to Goochland County. Many secondary roads are reported to have patches of ice and are extremely hazardous.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are applying abrasives and chemicals to the roadways to provide traction and help melt the ice but motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible and use extreme caution if they must drive. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing later today and the precipitation should change to rain later this afternoon.
If you must be on the roads today, allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions. Travelers should also 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.
Motorists can get information on the latest road conditions, incidents and weather forecasts by calling 511 from any telephone in Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.
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CULPEPER – Freezing rain mixed with sleet is falling across much of Central Virginia at this hour and multiple crashes have been reported. Route 29 is closed south of Culpeper due to a jackknifed tractor-trailer. Icing conditions are also reported on Interstate 64 from eastern Albemarle east to Goochland County. Many secondary roads are reported to have patches of ice and are extremely hazardous.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are applying abrasives and chemicals to the roadways to provide traction and help melt the ice but motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible and use extreme caution if they must drive. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing later today and the precipitation should change to rain later this afternoon.
If you must be on the roads today, allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions. Travelers should also 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.
Motorists can get information on the latest road conditions, incidents and weather forecasts by calling 511 from any telephone in Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.
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Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
