VDOT warns Virginians to stay off roads during snowfall as local government closures begin

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of central Virginia and it is in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

“Heavy snow expected,” reads the latest bulletin. “Total snow and sleet accumulations between 5 and 10 inches, with amounts of up to 12 inches possible in isolated spots if heavy banding sets up in this area. Ice
accumulations up to one tenth of an inch south of Interstate 64.”

There’s a winter storm in the forecast for Sunday and Monday, and Albemarle County is reminding people to be prepared.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is urging people to stay off the roads during the snowfall.

“Once the storm starts, drivers should stay off the roadways to allow crews the opportunity to remove snow, ice, and other debris,” reads an information release sent out at 3 p.m. this afternoon. “Crews pre-treated interstates, primary, and high-volume secondary roadways yesterday. Plows and salt spreaders are now standing by to respond to the storm.”

There could be between eight and 13 inches of snow and ice across the nine counties in VDOT’s Culpeper District.

After the snow falls, one resource VDOT offers is a real-time map of where snowplows are located.

“The intensity of the storm will produce conditions that will require multi-day operations to make roadways passable, which means travelers will not immediately see bare pavement,” reads an additional information release sent by VDOT.

Charlottesville City Schools had already planned for a teacher workday tomorrow, but will now close the buildings for the day with teachers working from home.

“School activities – such as sports practices – are canceled,” reads a message sent to faculty and staff this afternoon. “If streets and sidewalks are safe for students and staff on Tuesday, then classes will resume on Tuesday.”

Greene County local government will be closed tomorrow.

“Due to the predicted severity of this storm, Greene County has declared a local emergency and opened the Emergency Operations Center,” reads a release sent out this afternoon. “Should there be power outages, the community is encouraged to shelter in place.”

Last week, Albemarle County sent out an information release urging people to be prepared for the storm.

“Now is a great time to take stock of your household’s preparedness for snow, ice, and power outages,” reads an information release sent out this morning. “Prepare a checklist of things to do when you hear that a winter storm is possible.”

The release points to a page on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management that has an emergency checklist that’s relevant at any time.

For instance, you should have three days of food and water as well as pet food and supplies. If you have a small human, infant formula and diapers should be procured.

You should also have enough medication for a week and whatever medical equipment you need. A first-aid kit is also advised.

Before you go: This is a story posted first to Information Charlottesville with one paragraph from the January 3, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. You can support the work by purchasing a paid subscription or contributing monthly through Patreon. You can also send in a check or send an email, but drop me a line first.