VDOT Preparing for Snow in Loudoun County and Statewide

Monday, January 20, 2014

VDOT Preparing for Snow in Loudoun County and Statewide

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reports that crews are out in full force conducting anti-icing operations in preparation for a statewide snow storm expected to hit the western region of the state later today with freezing rain and snow.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 21, significant snow is expected in Loudoun County and the region with extremely cold temperatures lasting through Thursday. (weather forecast)

Crews are treating interstates and primary roads with salt brine or anti-icing chemicals. Anti-icing helps to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the roads.

During the storm, VDOT asks motorists to avoid driving on the roads. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

Driving Tips and Other Preparations

Monitor your local news sources for the latest weather conditions
Avoid driving during the storm
Prepare your car for winter driving conditions, including having an emergency kit in your car
Prepare your home for winter weather conditions in case of power outages
Before getting behind the wheel, call 511, go to www.511virginia.org or download the 511 mobile app to get the latest road condition information
You can also call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) to report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center

When driving, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, leave plenty of driving room between you and the vehicle ahead and slow down.

Finally, VDOT has activated its web-based neighborhood tracking map that monitors the status of plowing in Northern Virginia neighborhoods when it snows two inches or more. The map is available at http://www.vdotplows.org/.