CULPEPER – Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation will monitor weather conditions overnight Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain after midnight with temperatures in some locations predicted to fall near freezing, which may produce freezing rain early Wednesday morning. Freezing conditions are most likely to occur in the western parts of Central Virginia and at higher elevations.

Motorists who are traveling overnight should be aware of the possibility of black ice during the early morning hours, particularly on bridges and overpasses, entrance and exit ramps and crossovers as well as roads at higher elevations.

VDOT crews will be on the roads tonight to check for freezing conditions, especially near the Blue Ridge Mountains and on the mountain passes – Interstate 64 and Route 250 in Albemarle County, Route 33 in Greene County, Routes 211 and 522 in Rappahannock and I-66 and Route 50 in Fauquier County. Should conditions warrant the snowplows will treat bridges, mountain passes and other problem areas with a mix of sand and salt to improve traction and prevent snow and ice from sticking to the road.

VDOT offers the following tips for driving in winter weather:

• Before you begin your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecasts.
• Call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org.
• Make sure your windows, mirrors and lights are clear of ice and snow.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Allow extra time to travel to your destination.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Also, if there is heavy snow, ice or high winds, be alert to potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees and electric lines.
• Reduce speed as appropriate and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. Remember, the plow is clearing a path for you.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include a small bag of rock salt, sand or cat litter to provide traction in case you get stuck, a snowbrush and ice scraper, a flashlight, battery booster cables, a blanket and extra clothing.
• Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement, so think and drive accordingly.

Motorists who are traveling over the upcoming holidays should also keep informed of the latest weather forecasts and traffic conditions along the route they will be traveling. In addition to Virginia, many other states also have a 511 telephone system for traffic and travel information.

Information about preparing for winter weather and other emergencies can be found at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. The National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services and other state agencies have created the Ready Virginia resource to provide residents with a one-stop shop for emergency preparedness tips and information.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: July 30, 2009