Travel Before the Weekend Winter Storm

STAUNTON – At least a foot of snow is expected to fall on the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands Saturday afternoon through early Monday. Stay off the roads during this time period – instead, get to your destination before the storm. Plowing operations focus on interstates and primary routes first, and may not reach all secondary roads and subdivisions for several days.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is pre-treating major roadways today and Friday throughout the 11-county Staunton District. When snowfall begins on Saturday, VDOT crews and contractors will use more than 1,100 pieces of equipment to plow and treat state-maintained roadways in the district. They will work around the clock on rotating 12-hour shifts.

The weekend storm is expected to bring heavy snow, hampering visibility and requiring plows to make multiple passes on interstates and primary roads until snowfall tapers off. Additional hazards include extreme cold during and after the storm, which minimizes melting and extends recovery time. Motorists may not see bare pavement for many days after the storm begins.

For emergency travel information visit the 511 Virginia website, or download the mobile app or call 511. Motorists are reminded to check their entire route as conditions will vary throughout Virginia. Southern portions of the Commonwealth are expected to receive less snow but more ice accumulation.

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.