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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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).

  For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

VDOT Crews Bracing for Next Storm

Loudoun County residents encouraged to e-mail VDOT as call volumes are high
Virginia Department of Transportation crews are working tirelessly to clear snow-buried side streets in northern Virginia, as a new storm threatens to dump up to 20 additional inches tomorrow. Drivers are asked to avoid travel if possible, but if they must go out, they are urged to leave early as snow is expected to begin by early afternoon. Extreme caution will be crucial as melted snow will refreeze to black ice by morning.

More than 1,900 trucks have been making inroads on neighborhood and side streets in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, and will work through the night in an attempt to make a pass through all roads by the start of tomorrow’s storm.

The northern Virginia customer service line, 703-383-VDOT (8368), is experiencing extremely high call volumes. Residents are asked to e-mail novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov with their street address, subdivision and county if they are having trouble getting through, and to include photos if possible. Residents are reminded that crews are still working through neighborhoods and have not yet completed all plow routes.

If driving tomorrow, motorists should call 511 or visit http://www.511virginia.org/ before leaving for real-time weather, road conditions and traffic incidents. Traffic camera video is also available on this site.

  For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

Snow Plow Spotted in Hamilton Monday Evening

Thanks to Richard who took a couple of shots of a plow on Deavers Court in Hamilton about 5 p.m. yesterday, Monday, Feb. 7.

If you spot a snow plow in your area, send your pictures to LoudounCountyTraffic@hotmai.com. ‏

  For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

Snow Plow Pictures -- Well Just a Neighborhood Picture Really

Al writes to Loudoun County Traffic...

Haven't seen a snow plow in Hamilton Knolls (Orchard Circle, Peach Tree Ct) since the storm started on Friday night. This is how it looks now and after I shoveled 6-8 inches off the road in front of my driveway at the beginning of the storm. The main roads may be bare, but who can get to them?

Thanks for the update and picture Al. If you have pictures of snow plows working in your area, e-mail them to LoudounCountyTraffice@hotmail.com.

  For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.