December Winter Storm

The worst winter storm in 14 years hit Virginia Dec. 18-20, bringing heavy snow, rain and high winds to the Commonwealth. Parts of western Virginia received more than 2 feet of snow; parts of central Virginia, 18 inches; parts of northern Virginia, 22 inches; and parts of southwest Virginia, 21 inches. At the height of the storm, Dominion Power and electric cooperatives reported nearly 71,000 power outages, mostly in southwestern Virginia.
Dec 30
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2:15 p.m. Update: VDOT Traffic Alert - VDOT PREPARES FOR WINTRY MIX

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
December 30, 2009

CONTACT:Taya M. Jarman
(804) 586-4455 (cell)  
Richmondinfo@VDOT.virginia.gov 

VDOT PREPARES FOR WINTRY MIX

Travel with caution early Thursday 

COLONIAL HEIGHTS –With freezing rain predicted for parts of central Virginia overnight tonight and early tomorrow morning, motorists are strongly encouraged to consider adjusting their travel plans around the potentially icy weather. 

Virginia Department of Transportation crews are preparing for this winter event by bringing in several crews around 8 p.m. tonight to pre-treat potential trouble spots. Crews will continue to work throughout tomorrow morning to treat and respond to roads as needed. If ice starts to form on road surfaces, crews will spread a mixture of sand and salt.  The sand increases traction, and the salt helps melt the frozen precipitation and prevents it from bonding to the road surface. 

Drivers should consider postponing their trips until temperatures rise, and the wintry mix changes over to all rain. A difference in just a few degrees of air or ground temperatures will determine if ice accumulates on roadways or not. During a freezing rain event, drivers should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses, ramps, higher elevations and shady spots where ice may form. 

For updates on these and other road conditions, as well as real-time weather, incidents and traffic camera video, drivers should visit www.511Virginia.org. 

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