Most Roads Clear, Isolated Icing Reported
VDOT Crews Treating Slick Spots, Clearing Downed Trees

CULPEPER – Rain continues to fall across Central Virginia but there are no reports of significant problems from the storm. Most roads are wet but the only reports of icing are on a few rural secondary roads and unpaved gravel roads, where the frozen surface has become slick from this morning’s rain.

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation are continuing to treat those roads with abrasives and salt to provide traction and are responding to any reports of icing. Crews have been out since Thursday evening treating roads in advance of the storm and are now working on the secondary routes and monitoring primary and interstate highways for icing.

Temperatures are hovering at freezing across the region and ice has formed on trees, power lines, signs and guardrails. Dense fog is reported on Interstate 64 and Route 250 in the Afton Mountain area in Albemarle County and motorists may encounter fog in other areas as well, especially in the western regions near the mountains.

VDOT has prepared for this winter storm since Thursday, fitting its trucks with chains, loading sand and salt and assigning crews for tree removal in anticipation of the predicted ice storm and possible high winds later in the day Friday.

Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling Friday since they may encounter patches of ice, particularly on bridges, overpasses, ramps and roads in the higher elevations where temperatures are colder. Hazardous driving conditions are likely to continue into Friday afternoon as the storm continues.  If you must drive on Friday, observe the following winter driving tips:

·         Make sure your vehicle is winter ready and keep an emergency kit in your car.

·         Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Wear your seatbelt.

·         Slow down. 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 low areas near water, bridges and overpasses.

·         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.

·         Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest weather and road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.