Flash freeze and damaging winds make travel a challenge in the Shenandoah Valley

Multiple weather threats are creating hazardous driving conditions on Friday (December 23) in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Early morning rain and wintry precipitation gave way to powerful, gusty winds and a steep temperature dive. In addition, numerous secondary roads in the northern valley are blocked by high water. Motorists should avoid non-essential travel.

As of late-morning Friday, temperatures throughout the region are below freezing and continuing to drop rapidly. Strong winds and some sunshine have helped many dry roadways, but any wet surfaces will freeze and cause dangerously slick conditions.

Motorists who must travel should also be alert for downed trees, branches, and utility lines blocking roadways. The Virginia Department of Transportation has tree cut-and-removal crews working throughout the 11-county Staunton District.

High water is blocking about 20 secondary roads in Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties. Never cross a flooded roadway or drive around road-closed signs.

Extreme cold temperatures are expected to persist through the weekend. Motorists should pack an emergency kit and blankets or extra layers of clothing and have mobile devices fully charged in case of a vehicle breakdown or emergency. Additional tips are found at https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/winter_weather_travel_kit.asp

Here are the conditions in the VDOT Staunton District as of 11 a.m. Friday:

Interstates 64, 66, and 81 – Clear conditions in all counties.

Primary roads – Minor conditions in Highland County. Clear conditions in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties.

Secondary roads – Minor conditions in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Highland, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties. Clear conditions in Bath, Augusta, Rockingham, and Page counties.

Statewide road conditions and traffic cameras are at http://www.511Virginia.org. For a detailed winter weather road conditions list, click “Text Views” on the orange bar atop the page. Then click on “Road Conditions Table” and use the pull-down box to select individual counties and cities. Roads with snow conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe, or closed.