Officials urge Virginians to make travel preparations ahead of incoming winter storm
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As a winter storm approaches Virginia, safety officials are urging residents to take precautions now to avoid hazardous road conditions and travel disruptions. The storm is expected to bring snow, followed by sleet and rain, making driving treacherous throughout much of the week. AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean emphasized that cold temperatures can affect both vehicles and road safety, but simple preparations can help minimize risks. “Don't assume a road condition you saw one hour [ago] will be the same one an hour later,” Dean said. “What could be wet one hour, could be icy and slick the next.” To ensure safer travel, AAA recommends that drivers: Keep at least half a tank of gas in their vehicle Prepare an emergency kit with jumper cables, blankets and kitty litter, which can provide traction if stuck on ice Allow extra time in the morning to defrost vehicles and clear off snow Don't hit the brakes if you start to skid Slow down! Meanwhile, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is taking proactive measures to prepare major roadways. Crews will begin treating roads with chemicals starting at midnight and continue their work until the storm threat subsides. According to VDOT spokesperson Austin Anderson, rising temperatures expected tomorrow night should help speed up melting efforts. Anderson also advised drivers to give VDOT trucks plenty of space to work. “Just treat them as you would an emergency vehicle or ambulance—give them space to work, move back, and let them do their job,” Anderson said. Before heading out, drivers should check their headlights, tires and other essential vehicle components to prevent issues on the road. With snowfall expected to begin early tomorrow, officials urge Virginians to stay informed on weather conditions and road updates. You can stay up to date on local road conditions through VDOT's 511 app or through their website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As a winter storm approaches Virginia, safety officials are urging residents to take precautions now to avoid hazardous road conditions and travel disruptions.
The storm is expected to bring snow, followed by sleet and rain, making driving treacherous throughout much of the week.
AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean emphasized that cold temperatures can affect both vehicles and road safety, but simple preparations can help minimize risks.
“Don't assume a road condition you saw one hour [ago] will be the same one an hour later,” Dean said. “What could be wet one hour, could be icy and slick the next.”
To ensure safer travel, AAA recommends that drivers:
- Keep at least half a tank of gas in their vehicle
- Prepare an emergency kit with jumper cables, blankets and kitty litter, which can provide traction if stuck on ice
- Allow extra time in the morning to defrost vehicles and clear off snow
- Don't hit the brakes if you start to skid
- Slow down!
Meanwhile, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is taking proactive measures to prepare major roadways. Crews will begin treating roads with chemicals starting at midnight and continue their work until the storm threat subsides.
According to VDOT spokesperson Austin Anderson, rising temperatures expected tomorrow night should help speed up melting efforts. Anderson also advised drivers to give VDOT trucks plenty of space to work.
“Just treat them as you would an emergency vehicle or ambulance—give them space to work, move back, and let them do their job,” Anderson said.
Before heading out, drivers should check their headlights, tires and other essential vehicle components to prevent issues on the road.
With snowfall expected to begin early tomorrow, officials urge Virginians to stay informed on weather conditions and road updates.
You can stay up to date on local road conditions through VDOT's 511 app or through their website.
