LYNCHBURG - While snow may no longer be falling across the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) motorists may still find travel difficult throughout the day and during the overnight hours.

VDOT crews have been out since the early hours of the morning across the ten-county district in south-central Virginia. Reports began to come in after 6:00 a.m. indicating that light snow was sticking to bridges, other structures and in low-lying areas and within a short time, a steady snow covered most surfaces. By 2:00 p.m., reports indicated that 3.5 inches of snow had fallen in parts of Nelson County, while 3.0 inches were reported in Amherst and Campbell Counties. At times, the snow mixed with freezing rain and sleet that have continued to fall into the early afternoon.

The danger of icy road and bridge surfaces will not likely end once the precipitation is no longer falling. Surfaces will remain wet and with temperatures in the low 30’s, icing is likely tonight and early tomorrow.

Motorists can do a great deal to help themselves remain safe should travel become necessary during inclement weather. Follow these simple steps:

* Know the weather conditions before heading out. Dial 511 or go to www.511Virginia.org or www.VDOT.Virginia.gov for additional information.
* Be familiar with the operations of personal vehicles. Do you have anti-lock brakes? If so, brake and hold them when stopping; if not, pump them.
* Slow down.
* Increase distance between vehicles.
* Make smooth, precise movements with the steering wheel.
* Anticipate lane changes, curves, and turns well in advance.

For more information about Virginia’s efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies, visit                           www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Ready Virginia was created by state agencies to serve as a one-stop resource of emergency preparedness tips and information for Virginia citizens.

Tweet

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: Oct. 17, 2012