Avoid Travel During Ongoing Winter Storm

STAUNTON (11 a.m.) – “Do not drive” remains the key message for roadways in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Approaching mid-day Sunday, several inches of snow and sleet have already fallen throughout the region. Additional wintry precipitation is expected between now and early Monday.

The Virginia Department of Transportation continues plowing and treating major roadways throughout the 11-county Staunton District since Saturday evening. VDOT crews and contractors are working around the clock on rotating 12-hour shifts.

Plowing focuses first on interstates and most primary routes, and may not reach all secondary roads and subdivisions for several days. Extreme cold during and after the storm extends the time needed to complete plowing operations, and may cause refreezing on roads previously plowed and treated.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, all roadways in the VDOT Staunton District are reported to be in moderate condition. This means snow and ice cover most of the road surface.

For emergency road-condition updates and travel information visit the 511 Virginia website, download the mobile app or dial 511. Motorists should check their entire route as conditions will vary throughout Virginia, to include dangerous ice accumulations in the southern part of the Commonwealth. 511 Virginia shows road conditions on a color-coded map and in county-by-county text listings. Conditions are defined as:

• Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.
• Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the road.
• Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
• Closed – road is closed to all traffic.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties. Follow the Staunton District on Facebook and X.

The VDOT website has winter weather travel tips, news releases, and links to social media accounts for VDOT districts throughout the Commonwealth.