SALEM – A winter storm could create slushy, icy or snow-covered roads starting on Saturday, March 12. Because the weather event will start out as rain, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will not be able to apply brine as a pre-treatment ahead of this storm.
With falling temperatures, rain is expected to transition to snow, so roads may become icy or snow covered particularly in the counties along the West Virginia border and in higher elevations. Drivers may encounter slick or slushy roads as pavement temperatures drop and snowfall increases.
Equipment operators will be monitoring conditions on Saturday and responding as necessary. As long as the snow is falling, VDOT will plow and treat interstates and primary roads (those numbered 1-599) first before working on lower volume secondary routes (those numbered 600 and above).
Once the precipitation stops, temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, so wet roads may refreeze. After the storm stops, drivers should still pay particular attention to cooler areas like bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas on Saturday and into Sunday morning due to potential refreeze.
High winds, snow or ice may downed trees and affect travel this weekend. To report a downed tree or debris on a state-maintained roadway, contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
Real-time information about road conditions, crashes and road closures is available using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or the www.511Virginia.org website and phone system.
The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.
