VDOT prepares for incoming winter storm this weekend

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Less than a week since Virginia saw its first winter storm of 2026, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is gearing up for another winter storm set to sweep through the state this weekend.

VDOT announced on Thursday, Jan. 29, that it's preparing for yet more severe wintry weather that could bring additional snow to several regions in the commonwealth beginning Friday, while still working to clear snow and ice from last weekend's storm.

The incoming snowstorm is set to arrive on Friday and continue into Sunday, Feb. 1, potentially bringing several inches of snow across Virginia, our StormTracker8 team forecasted.

VDOT said that due to residual salt remaining on the roadways from the previous storm, roads will not be pretreated again.

The agency urged Virginians to stay off the roads in areas expecting substantial snow as much as possible, as crews will work on clearing interstates and major roads with heavy traffic first before moving onto secondary roads.

VDOT said its crews plan to use heavy equipment to break apart ice on less-traveled roads and use sand to provide traction for drivers navigating icy roads.

The agency reminded commuters not to crowd or tailgate snowplows to give crews room to work on the roadways. Drivers are urged to travel before snowfall begins or delay travel.