First winter storm of the season arrives in the Shenandoah Valley

STAUNTON — (6 a.m.) Snow and freezing rain are working their way into the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands early Saturday morning. The season’s first winter storm will overspread the region from south to north. It is forecast to bring up to six inches of snow as well as significant ice accumulations. The Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, as hazardous conditions are expected in much of the state.

VDOT on Friday pre-treated interstates and some primary roads in the 11-county Staunton District and other parts of Virginia. Staunton District crews and contractors have staged about 974 pieces of equipment for Saturday’s winter storm. They will plow and treat roadways throughout the region, beginning with interstates and primary roads and then secondary routes.

VDOT provides road conditions and traffic cameras at 511Virginia.org. 511 apps are available for Android and iOS devices. Roads with snow conditions are marked minor, moderate, severe or closed.

Road condition definitions:
Closed – Road is closed to all traffic.
Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.  Driving with caution is recommended.

Access the VDOT Customer Service Center at its mobile friendly website: my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are on site 24/7 to assist the public. Reach the VDOT Customer Service Center by phone at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, X and YouTube. The VDOT website is www.vdot.virginia.gov and includes a winter-weather safety page.

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

VDOT statewide X feeds can be found at @VaDOT. The nine districts can be found at: Hampton Roads @VaDOTHR; Richmond @VaDOTRVA; Northern Virginia @VaDOTNOVA;  Fredericksburg @VaDOTFred; Culpeper @VaDOTCulp; Lynchburg @VaDOTLynchburg; Bristol @VaDOTBristol; Salem @VaDOTSalem; and Staunton @VaDOTStaunton.