Central Virginia Times

VDOT News Release – Freezing Rain Predicted During Thursday Communte

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation are on the roads this morning, prepared to respond to any reports of icing on highways. Rain is falling across much of the Commonwealth and is forecast to change to freezing rain during the morning commuting hours in parts of the Lynchburg District, especially in elevated areas in Amherst, Nelson, and Appomattox counties. Freezing rain can make roads icy and slick and is extremely hazardous for all drivers, even in four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Ice is likely to form first in areas where pavement temperatures are lowest. These spots include bridges, overpasses, and ramps.

If travel is necessary this morning, drivers should pay attention to local weather forecasts and plan to use extreme caution as road conditions may deteriorate quickly. As air temperatures fall, pavement temperatures will also drop, creating the potential for icy conditions through Thursday morning.

VDOT crews are working across the state to respond to the storm. They have been on duty overnight, monitoring road conditions and will spread salt and sand to improve traction and melt ice when freezing precipitation begins. Since the storm began as rain brine was not used for this event since the rain would have washed it off the roads, rendering it ineffective.

Safety and Travel ResourcesWhen winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginiamobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, the public should contact VDOT’s 24-hourCustomer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367- 7623).

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