LYNCHBURG, Va. – As of 4 a.m., roads across the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are merely wet from an overnight storm; however, motorists may encounter flooded or icy roads before the storm abates.
Currently, there are approximately 20 roads across the 10-county district closed by flooding or downed trees from this event. Those roads are located in Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties. A full list is available at 511Virginia.org.
There are reports of freezing rain in some of the more mountainous portions of the District, including Nelson County where temperatures are below freezing. However, temperatures across the region are hovering near or slightly above freezing and conditions could change rapidly. Motorists should remain alert to the possibility of icing on bridges, overpasses and low-lying areas near water, especially.
VDOT crews are prepared to respond as conditions warrant. Motorists can do their part by knowing the conditions before any travel, avoiding travel if possible and having vehicles winter weather ready in advance.
The Lynchburg District consists of the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward.
WHAT FALLS FROM THE SKY AND WHAT MAY FALL FROM TREES CAN CAUSE TRAVELER TROUBLES TODAY
STAUNTON – (4 a.m.) The Shenandoah Valley is forecasted its first winter weather event of the season today. Snow, sleet and rain are possible for various areas throughout the region. Motorists should use extra caution around trees and wooded areas where leaves are still on some trees and may accumulate snow or ice causing limbs to break off.
Travelers are asked to monitor local weather forecasts and to avoid driving if possible during the storm. VDOT crews will be out to plow and treat roads as the winter weather begins.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14 Virginia Department of Transportation and contractor crews pretreated several roads with brine to help prevent ice bonding to road surfaces. Roads receiving the treatment were Interstate 81 in Shenandoah, Fredrick and Warren counties, Interstate 66 in Warren County and Interstate 64 at Afton Mountain in Augusta County.
Road conditions and traffic cameras can be found on the VDOT 511 website at http://www.511Virginia.org, Roads with snow conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe or closed.
Road condition definitions:
Closed – Road is closed to all traffic.
Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Driving with caution is recommended
As the 4 a.m. hour approaches, light rain is falling in the area. Roads in the Shenandoah Valley are clear except for some icy patches in the higher elevations near the West Virginia line.
For winter weather road conditions go to http://www.511Virginia.org, look at the orange bar on the top of the page and click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull down box that lists all jurisdictions. In this box individual counties can be chosen to view.
On the go? Then visit VDOT’s Free Virginia 511 Tools to get your 511 app for android or iOS. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are on site 24/7 every day of the year to assist the public. People can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
