The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – As the Virginia State Police prepares for heavy snow in parts of the Commonwealth, Virginians are encouraged to get ready and plan ahead, too. Forecasts are currently calling for accumulating snow over much of Virginia, with the heaviest totals in the southeastern corner of the Commonwealth. The storm’s impacts are expected to start Wednesday morning and continue into the early hours Thursday.
Virginia State Police will be adjusting manpower as necessary to be able to respond to the conditions.
Virginia State Police are asking Virginians not to travel during the storm, and allow Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews enough to space to work.
If you have to travel, drivers are reminded to do the following:
- Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
- Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
- Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
- Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
- Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.
For the latest in road conditions and updates, please call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.
Virginians are advised to only call 911 or #77 on a cell phone in case of emergency. It is essential to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.
