STAUNTON, VA (Virginia Department of Transportation) – The first widespread winter storm of the season is expected to bring a mix of snow and freezing rain early Tuesday morning in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Slick spots are possible during the morning commute, especially in higher elevations and on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.

Ice accumulation is forecast in the central and southern parts of the region including the counties of Alleghany, Rockbridge, Bath, Highland and Augusta. Snow is expected in the northern Shenandoah Valley. The Virginia Department of Transportation advises motorists to postpone travel if possible until temperatures rise and conditions improve Tuesday afternoon.

The VDOT Staunton District will plow and treat roadways as needed throughout the district. VDOT’s first priority is the interstate highway system, followed by primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (numbered 600 and up) with key infrastructure or high traffic volumes. Other secondary roads and subdivision streets are plowed or treated when higher-priority routes are completed and resources are available.

For updated traffic alerts and travel information dial 511, visit the 511 Virginia website or download the mobile app. 511 Virginia shows road conditions on a color-coded map and in county-by-county text listings. Conditions are defined as:

  • Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.
  • Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the road.
  • Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
  • Closed – road is closed to all traffic.