Icy conditions expected Friday in western Virginia as wet roads may freeze

SALEM — For western Virginia, rain late on Thursday is forecasted to transition to light snow overnight and in the early morning hours on Friday. Rapidly falling temperatures around sunrise on Friday are expected to freeze wet roads and create dangerous driving conditions. Roads that appear wet may be icy.

Thursday and Friday are anticipated to be the busiest travel days for the holiday weekend. Motorists should be vigilant, check weather forecasts in areas where they plan to drive, and adjust or delay travel in impacted areas, especially along the Interstate 81 corridor.

VDOT crews and contractors will be monitoring roads and will treat interstates and primary routes (those numbered 1-599) with a mix of chemicals and abrasives. They will also apply crushed stone or sand to secondary routes (those numbered 600 and above) to provide traction.

Frigid temperatures may create slick roads and icy spots into the weekend, particularly on secondary routes and neighborhood streets. Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until early next week.

High winds with gusts up to 40 mph are also forecasted on Friday and into the weekend. To report downed trees or debris in the roadway, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Safety and travel resources

When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.

Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.

Driving tips

• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Always wear your seat belt.

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