State police urge Virginians to stay home during incoming snow storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police is preparing for the heavy snowfall forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday. The agency is highly encouraging residents to stay home and avoid going out on the roads, if possible.

A snowstorm will hit Central Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 19, with this wintry weather expected to continue through Thursday, Feb. 20.

Virginia State Police will be ready to respond to emergencies, according to a Feb. 18 press release. There are plans to increase staffing as needed depending on conditions.

If at all possible, Virginians should stay home during the storm, as traveling could be dangerous. However, if you must leave your home, Virginia State Police shared the following tips:

• Check your car before you drive. Ensure it's in good working order -- this includes windshield wipers and fluid, your tires, your battery and other essential parts. Get gas before the storm hits.
• Pack an emergency kit. Make sure you have a window scraper, a blanket, a cell phone charger, a flashlight, bottled water and some non-perishable food in your car before you leave.
• Buckle up. Most crashes during wintry conditions involve hitting guardrails, going off-road or hitting other vehicles. If you're buckled in, you can't be thrown around inside of your car or potentially ejected.
• Share the road with first responders. Allow emergency crews, as well as crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), plenty of room to work.
• Use your headlights. This will both make you more visible and help you see dangerous spots on the road, such as sheets of ice.
• Slow down and don't tailgate. Driving slowly gives you ample time to respond if something happens. You should also give other drivers more room than usual.