Snowy Friday morning commute expected

STAUNTON — Motorists should expect a slippery Friday morning commute as the second winter event of the week arrives in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands.

Light to moderate snow is expected to begin by sunrise Friday, spreading into the region from the south. A half-inch to a few inches of snow is expected, with the highest totals forecasted in the southern part of the region. This includes the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge and Highland.

The Virginia Department of Transportation began pre-treating roads this morning and is expected to complete that operation by late afternoon.

Motorists are reminded to check their route on 511 Virginia before travel as snow totals will vary throughout the Commonwealth. Extra caution should be exercised on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.

VDOT advises motorists to postpone travel if possible until temperatures rise and conditions improve on Friday afternoon. Roads may become slick again Friday evening into Saturday morning as temperatures drop into the 20s.

The VDOT Staunton District will plow and treat roadways as needed throughout the district. VDOT’s first priority is the interstate highway system, followed by primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (numbered 600 and up) with key infrastructure or high traffic volumes. Other secondary roads and subdivision streets are plowed or treated when higher-priority routes are completed and resources are available.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app. 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. Call 800-367-7623 or use its mobile friendly website.

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.