VDOT Mobilizing Crews in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia for More Snow Overnight

The Virginia Department of Transportation is preparing for another potential winter storm tonight and advises drivers to stay off roads during freezing rain and snow expected through tomorrow morning.

Crews will mobilize by 6 p.m. today and by midnight more than 2,000 trucks will be staged along interstates, major roads and neighborhood streets in Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties.

Drivers are strongly advised to stay home during the storm, overnight tonight and into Monday morning.

VDOT says that their crews will plow and treat interstates, major roads and neighborhoods concurrently.

Loudoun County residents can enter your address at www.vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in your neighborhood.

Tips from VDOT

• Park in your driveway or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass. 
• When shoveling, leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed, as the truck will push some snow back. 
• Shovel to the right facing the road. 
• Chemicals are not used in subdivisions, but crews put sand on hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to ten feet wide, is made.

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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/.

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Prepare for the Storm and Stay Off the Roads

With heavy, wet snow and gusty winds in the forecast, Loudoun County officials remind everyone to prepare for possible power outages. Here are some things to do ahead of the storm:

• Charge cellphones. Cordless phones don’t work when power is out.
• Make sure you have working flashlights. Stock up on batteries.
• Check that your battery-powered radio is operating.
• Stock up on nonperishable food and water. Include a non-electric can opener.
• Unplug TVs, DVD/ VCR players, microwave ovens, and computers to protect them from power surges that can occur from trees and limbs contacting power lines.

 
Stay Off the Roads
If you need to travel tonight through Wednesday night, take plenty of extra time to reach your destination. Ensure you have an emergency kit in your trunk.

By 4 a.m. tomorrow morning, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reports they will have deployed more than 4,000 salt trucks and plows throughout Northern Virginia in preparation for up to a foot of wet, heavy snow. Emergency tree contractors also are on standby as strong winds could bring down trees and power lines.

“We are urging commuters to stay off the road on Wednesday and let our crews clear the roads,” said VDOT maintenance engineer Branco Vlacich. “Roads likely will be treacherous at times.”

VDOT encourages motorists to use caution when driving during wintry weather. Drivers should:

• Check current weather, road conditions and traffic before traveling at www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road

Report any road problems to 1-800-FOR-ROAD or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov. To check the status of snow plows, visit VDOT's interactive map, which is activating once two inches of snow falls.

If you have not already done so, you may sign up for alerts from the county, including emergency information, news releases, traffic information and more, through Alert Loudoun at www.loudoun.gov/alert.

More information about winter weather preparedness, including information specific to this weather event, is online at www.loudoun.gov/winter.

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VDOT Unveils New Snow Plow Status Website

Did you see this week's big news from VDOT about snow plowing?

Granted, the weather doesn't necessarily feel like snow, but we've heard forecasts that February could be a big month for snow. And just in time, the Virginia Department of Transportation has now come out with a website where Loudoun County residents -- as well as Fairfax and Prince William County -- can see the status of plowing in northern Virginia neighborhoods.

Once it snows at least two inches, residents can find out the status of plowing at http://novasnowplowing.virginia.gov. The Web page activates when two or more inches have accumulated.

Users can enter an address in northern Virginia to see a color-coded snow map that indicates the plowing status in that area:

• Green indicates a neighborhood has been plowed.
• Yellow means plows are in progress in the neighborhood.
• Blue indicates plows have not yet started the neighborhood.
• Gray means the area is not maintained by VDOT. Cities, towns and some developments maintain their own roads.

Check out a video of how to use the webpage.



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VDOT Crews Mobilizing for Potentially Slick Morning Commute on Tuesday

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are preparing for a light snow that could begin during tomorrow morning’s commute. While little accumulation is expected, VDOT reminds drivers that freezing temperatures may still make roads slick.

Today crews are pre-treating trouble spots on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—with liquid magnesium chloride. Other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine.

By 11 p.m. tonight, more than 500 salt trucks will be ready to clear roadways in Northern Virginia once snow hits the pavement. Trucks will be pre-positioned along major roadways throughout Loudoun County, as well as Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.

You can check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling by visiting www.511virginia.org or by calling 511.

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Video: Gov. McDonnell Thanks VDOT Snow Crews at the Capitol

Gov. Bob McDonnell thanks VDOT crews for their work during the major snowstorms of late 2009 and early 2010.



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"Pothole Blitz" Begins

The Loudoun Independent reports that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will focus efforts during March on patching the thousands of potholes across Virginia.

"Potholes are generally commonplace after heavy snow and cold weather, as the perspiration seeps between the cracks in concrete, expands, freezes and then thaws—weakening the concrete and eventually prompting the road to crack and break apart.

"While a plethora of potholes are not uncommon come springtime, according to VDOT this year has been especially tough—as repair crews have been hindered by nearly constant snow."

To report a pothole, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7689 (ROAD).

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VDOT Crews Preparing for Snow and Heavy Winds Tonight and Tomorrow

Loudoun County drivers asked to use caution tonight through tomorrow morning's rush hour

Virginia Department of Transportation crews are preparing for one to four inches of snow and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour in northern Virginia tonight and tomorrow. Overnight tonight, more than 600 trucks will monitor and treat roads throughout Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, ramping up to almost 1,000 trucks by 8 a.m. With the heavy winds forecasted, tree crews will also be on hand to clear broken and fallen limbs blocking roads.

Since yesterday, crews have pre-treated trouble spots on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 in Gainesville and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—with liquid magnesium chloride. Other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, have been pre-treated with salt brine.

Drivers are asked to use caution while driving overnight tonight and tomorrow morning, as heavy winds may limit visibility.

Motorists can check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before leaving tomorrow by visiting http://www.511virginia.org/ or by calling 511. For more information on how VDOT prepares for snow, visit www.virginiadot.org/snow.

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Crews from Across Virginia Assist with Snow Removal

The Virginia Department of Transportation has brought in crews and more than 200 pieces of heavy equipment from Hampton Roads, Richmond, Salem and Lynchburg to assist with removing snow that continues to fall across northern Virginia. More than 2,000 trucks remain on the roads today, plowing and treating interstates, primary roads, and subdivision and side streets.

Because the 4x4 pickup trucks VDOT uses for a typical four- to six-inch storm cannot handle the deep snow blanketing some northern Virginia neighborhoods, additional larger trucks and front loaders are working to clear remaining subdivision and side streets buried in the last storm. The additional crews will continue to clear neighborhoods as long as possible, until the trucks are needed again to address emergency routes, interstates and other high-volume roads.

Motorists are urged to stay off the road, as white-out and blizzard conditions are expected to last into the evening. Minimal visibility and high-drifting snow have made driving extremely dangerous. Crews out in full force also need the full width of many roads to navigate snowplow trains and put down chemicals.

Commuters are advised that the I-95/395 high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes closed at 11 a.m. today and will re-open either Thursday afternoon or Friday morning depending on road conditions.

For the latest road conditions, weather, incident information and traffic camera video, drivers can visit http://www.511virginia.org/. Residents who need to report dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets should send the address, subdivision and county to novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov. They can also call 703-383-VDOT (8368), or 1-800-367-ROAD (7623).

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Weather Affects Loudoun County Roads -- Several Routes Closed

Due to the severe weather conditions several roadways in Loudoun County are closed and travel continues to remain extremely difficult, if not impossible. The roadways affected are Route 287 north of Route 7 bypass (closed), Route 15 at Oak Hill (restricted), Route 690 at the Town of Purcellville line, Route 601 at Route 7 (closed), Short Hill Road at Allder School Road (closed).

Loudoun County public officials continue to strongly advise residents to stay home and not attempt to drive. This will help road crews keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

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Life-Threatening Blizzard Hits Loudoun County

Stay Home; Do NOT Attempt to Drive

Loudoun County public safety officials strongly advise residents to stay home and not to attempt to drive. Life-threatening blizzard conditions have developed rapidly across the Baltimore-Washington region this morning.

The combination of snow, strong gusty winds and blowing snow will make travel extremely difficult, if not impossible, during the morning and into the afternoon. People are urged to remain at home, and not to drive. This will help road crews keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

If you get stranded in your vehicle:

• Do not leave your car to try to walk for assistance. You can quickly become disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold. This storm is expected to subside early this evening, so wait in your car for emergency help to arrive.
• Periodically run your engine for about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
• Ensure that your exhaust pipe is cleared of snow and ice.
• Crack your windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Tie a colored cloth to your car’s antenna to be visible to rescuers.
• From time to time, move your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating.

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Blizzard Warning In Effect -- Please Stay Off the Roads!

The National Weather Service reports that a blizzard warning is in effect until 7 pm this evening. Within the hour, we can expect low visibility with winds of 30-35 mph and gusts of 35 mph over the Washington region. Snow is expected to continue through this evening, with the heaviest snow expected this morning. Accumulations of 6-12 inches are possible.

A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded...stay with your vehicle.

For complete weather information visit Loudoun County Weather. And don't forget, e-mail your favorite snow pictures to Loudoun County Traffic.

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VDOT Reports Slick Spots Are Causing Accidents; Drivers Asked to Use Caution

The Virginia Department of Transportation reports icy conditions emerging on roads throughout northern Virginia. Motorists are asked to stay home if possible or use extreme caution as snow is beginning to stick on roads with lower traffic volumes, and interstates and primary roads are becoming deceptively slick.

More than 2,000 trucks will continue to plow and treat interstates and other major routes throughout the night, as well as snow-buried subdivision and side streets that remain impassable from the last storm. VDOT crews and trucks from Hampton Roads, Richmond, Salem, Lynchburg and Culpeper have arrived in northern Virginia to assist in snow removal for this storm.

As crews work throughout the night, drivers are reminded to give plows plenty of room to navigate roads, plow snow and put down chemicals. Drivers should also be aware of narrowed lanes where plows are pushing snow tonight.

VDOT offers the following tips for driving in winter weather:

• Allow extra time to travel to your destination.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots.
• Reduce speed and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement.

For the latest road conditions, weather, incident information and traffic camera video, drivers can visit http://www.511virginia.org/. Residents who need to report dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets should send the address, subdivision and county to novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov. They can also call 703-383-VDOT (8368), or 1-800-367-ROAD (7623).

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VDOT Asks Motorists to Make Way for Snowplows

Visibility deteriorating; 1,700 trucks rolling in northern Virginia

As more than 1,700 snowplows and spreader trucks begin rolling on highways in northern Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) asks that drivers provide plenty of room for crews to get through. Visibility is already deteriorating from heavy, blowing snow and whiteout conditions are expected at times throughout the night.

Drivers are urged to continue to avoid travel throughout the weekend. Extreme conditions of up to two feet of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour will cause snow to drift, limit visibility and make driving increasingly hazardous.

VDOT’s entire fleet in northern Virginia will remain on duty all weekend in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. To help drivers get home more efficiently today, traffic engineers have adjusted I-95/395 high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane hours, I-66 shoulder lanes and timing of traffic signals on other popular commuter routes. The I-95/395 HOV lanes will remain southbound through Saturday evening, and will be closed for snow removal on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Motorists are encouraged to check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before driving during the storm by visiting http://www.511virginia.org/ or by calling 511. For more information on how VDOT prepares for snow, visit www.virginiadot.org/snow.

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Vehicles Parked On or Along Snow Emergecy Routes Must Be Moved by Midnight Tonight

Due to the prediction of a significant winter weather storm the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office announced that all vehicles parked on or along snow emrgency routes must be moved by midnight tonight. If your vehicle or vehicles are parked along any snow emergency route they must be moved or they will be towed at the owners expense. The routes need to be cleared to allow snow removal and emergency vehicles to access these areas.

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