VDOT prepares for winter storm, drivers warned to avoid travel

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With a wintry mix of snow, sleet and ice expected to impact Central Virginia for several days, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing for hazardous road conditions.

VDOT, which maintains nearly 60,000 miles of state roads, said crews are fully mobilized ahead of the storm.

“We are ready. We are prepared. We’ve been collaborating and planning for this multi-day storm event,” said VDOT spokesperson Nicole Bell.

At the height of the storm, VDOT expects to have about 1,500 pieces of equipment on the roads and more than 3,000 crew members working statewide. Crews are currently completing pretreatment operations, which began Tuesday morning. Officials say ice accumulation remains a major concern as it's expected to weigh down power lines and trees, increasing the risk of falling debris and blocked roadways.

“We have tree crews that are on standby because we know with anticipated ice, those tree limbs, trees [are] going to snap, and we need those out of the way to keep the roadways clear,” Bell said.

According to VDOT, interstates and primary roads will be prioritized once snow begins to fall and continue until it tapers off. The extreme cold forecasted during and after the storm is expected to minimize melting and extend recovery time.

VDOT warns that it could take several days before crews reach residential neighborhoods.

“We’re asking people to practice patience, particularly in residential neighborhoods and communities,” Bell said. “We will get to you, but the priority will be the interstates and those primary roads.”

Even after snowfall ends, drivers are urged to stay off the roads until conditions improve. For those who must travel, AAA spokesperson Morgan Dean, recommends slowing down and increasing following distance.

“The slower you're going, the better off and easier it will be to break and to maneuver around things," Dean said. "Increasing that following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you also gives you extra time in case there's a spin out or a collision,"

He also advised drivers to stay in plowed lanes when possible or follow established tire tracks if snow continues to accumulate.

“There's no guarantee that there won't still be slick spots, but you may have more traction down in those areas,” Dean said.

If you start to feel your vehicle's wheels losing traction, Dean said that's an indication that you are going to fast.

"Bring that speed down some more, try and steer into that skid to gain a little bit of traction back, and then start to maneuver the car to where you want to go," Dean said.

He also advised drivers to avoid slamming their brakes in this situation.

"Very gentle taps on the brake and very gentle maneuvering on the wheel will help keep you from losing control of that vehicle," he said.

Drivers are encouraged to use VDOT's 511 app to check road conditions and report hazards during the storm.