Multiple travel threats bearing down on the Shenandoah Valley Thursday and Friday

Snow, ice, and a flash freeze are forecast from early Thursday morning through Friday afternoon, December 22-23, in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. The Virginia Department of Transportation advises motorists to avoid travel during the winter storm or the black ice conditions that are expected to follow.

The first wave of winter weather is expected to move into the region from south to north and will affect the Thursday morning commute with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Precipitation is forecast to change to rain during the afternoon and taper off Thursday night.

The highest snowfall totals are expected in the northern Shenandoah Valley and higher elevations, including mountain crossings on Interstate 64 in Augusta County, Route 33 in Rockingham County, and Route 211 in Page and Shenandoah counties. In these areas, snowfall rates of an inch per hour are possible from mid-morning through mid-day on Thursday, which will cause slippery roads and hamper visibility.

Early Friday morning, the second round of snow is expected throughout the region, followed by a flash freeze. Temperatures will fall rapidly into the teens and possibly single digits in some areas. This will cause wet roads and bridges to freeze over, creating a glaze of ice that is extremely hazardous for travel. Temperatures are forecast to remain below-freezing through the holiday weekend.

The VDOT Staunton District, which includes 11 counties in western and northwestern Virginia, is pre-treating interstates and many primary roads on Wednesday, December 21. When winter weather begins, VDOT crews and contractors will plow and treat roadways as needed. They work on rotating 12-hour shifts until all routes are passable.

Statewide road conditions and traffic cameras can be found at http://www.511Virginia.org. For a detailed listing of winter weather road conditions, click “Text Views” on the orange bar across the top of the page. Then click on “Road Conditions Table” and use the pull-down box to select individual counties and cities. Roads with snow or ice conditions will be marked as follows:

Closed – Road is closed to all traffic.
Severe – Drifting or partially blocked the road.
Moderate – Snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – Bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice, or slush. Drive with caution.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information about Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile-friendly website at my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.