Salem District: Adjust travel around upcoming storm as snowy Friday morning commute is expected

SALEM – A winter storm is set to arrive in western Virginia after midnight/early morning on Friday, Dec. 5. Drivers need to plan travel around the forecasted weather event and avoid travel during the morning commuter hours when conditions are expected to be at their worst. 

The forecast from the National Weather Service is calling snow in the early morning hours on Friday before, during and after the morning commute. Low temperatures can cause rapidly changing road conditions that can lead to snow and ice accumulating on roadways, particularly in the higher elevations, cooler spots, mountainous areas and on bridges and overpasses. 

Today, VDOT crews and contractors began applying pretreatment to interstates and main roads ahead of the storm. Drivers should allow brine trucks plenty of space if they encounter them. 

As with any winter weather event, VDOT crews and contractors will be working around the clock beginning with interstates and primary highways (those numbered 1-599). Plow drivers will begin pushing snow off the roadways once it accumulates to around two inches, and for freezing rain, they will be applying chemicals and abrasives. 

Travelers can get real-time information on road conditions, traffic incidents and congestion on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or phone system or on the 511 website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov/ which can help travelers plan their routes accordingly.

For more updates on local conditions in our area, follow us in our Facebook Community for Salem District at https://www.facebook.com/groups/VDOTSalem or on Twitter @VaDOTSalem. 

The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).