Spanberger thanks Virginians for staying off roads during dangerous winter storm

RICMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) thanked Virginians Monday afternoon for staying off roads during the dangerous snow and ice storm that swept the Commonwealth, which she said significantly reduced crashes and made it easier for crews to clear ice and sleet.

"I want to begin by thanking all Virginians for making such a concerted effort to stay off the roads," Spanberger said. "We saw a reduction of travel on our interstates of more than 80[%]. That matters."

On Saturday, Jan. 24, a winter storm hit much of the Commonwealth, bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain that quickly turned to ice. These icy conditions will likely linger for at least a few more days, as temperatures are expected to remain frigid, with some overnight hours reaching single-digit temperatures.

Spanberger previously declared a state of emergency across the Commonwealth on Thursday, Jan. 22, just two days before the storm began. The declaration signaled the activation of additional resources that can be used to support the Commonwealth through the storm.

In a video posted at around 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan 26, Spanberger discussed the storm response coordinated by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Virginia State Police (VSP) and Virginia National Guard.

According to Spanberger's Monday afternoon update, since VDOT was able to get their plows, their contractors, and their personnel out on the roads, plowing unobstructed by vehicles, VSP had far fewer crashes and disabled vehicles to respond to. 

This meant that operations could stay on track, aggressively getting snowfall and sleet off the roads. 

As of 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, Virginia State Police has responded to 506 crashes on the state’s roadways during and in the aftermath of this storm.

The decrease, Spanberger said, allowed VDOT crews to make significant progress in plowing and treating interstate, primary and some major secondary roads -- though she emphasized that the work is far from over.

Spanberger urged Virginians to continue to follow state agency recommendations to stay safe this week as secondary roadways remain icy and Cold Weather Advisories are in effect across the Commonwealth.

"So, please, if you are going to get out of the house and you are going to get out on roads, please be cognizant that there will be additional ice," Spanberger said. "And if you can stay off the roads, particularly at night, please do so."