Do not travel in parts of Virginia Sunday into Monday

Tue Jan 07 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Dangerous Winter Storm to Cripple Virginia Roads

**RICHMOND, Va. —** A major winter storm is expected to bring hazardous road conditions across Virginia, prompting the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to urge residents to avoid all non-essential travel from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Northern Virginia, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and parts of Central Virginia are expected to be hardest hit, with potential snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour and accumulations of 5 to 12 inches. The rest of the commonwealth will experience a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, creating treacherous driving conditions. Low temperatures throughout the week will exacerbate the problem with significant re-freezing.

VDOT warns that clearing roads will be a multi-day operation, and drivers should not expect to see bare pavement immediately. Crews are already pre-positioning and treating roads in anticipation of the storm. VDOT emphasizes that reducing the number of vehicles on the roads will significantly improve safety for both drivers and snow removal crews.

VDOT maintains state roads, while cities and towns handle their own. Snow removal prioritization will focus on major thoroughfares. Drivers are urged to check road conditions using VDOT’s 511 mobile app, website (511.vdot.virginia.gov), or by calling 511. Reports of hazardous conditions can be made through VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at my.vdot.virginia.gov or 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).