What to expect on the roads during and after today’s snowfall

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As winter weather has rolled into Central Virginia on Tuesday, officials are asking residents to stay off the roads to give snow crews a chance to clear them.  

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s (VDEM) emergency support activated this morning. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in Richmond said they have 1,400 pieces of equipment including trucks, plows and tractors ready to clear the roadways.  VDOT crews will also be on the lookout for fallen trees impacting roads during and after the storm.

While road conditions may appear clear earlier in the day, VDOT anticipates they’ll become snow-covered and dangerous by the afternoon. Snow removal crews prioritize state-maintained roads with high traffic levels and interstates, then roads to emergency and public facilities with high traffic.

If you have to drive, go slow, use your headlights, buckle up and always give snow plows the right of way.  

Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Monday, sending emergency services across the state.