VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — Travel is particularly treacherous for much of the Commonwealth this afternoon. The Virginia Department of Transportation is out and about with crews plowing and treating interstates and primary roads and will continue their work overnight into Monday.

Right now, interstates and primary roads in the Culpeper District are in moderate condition, covered with packed snow but drivable with caution. On Interstate 64 westbound at mile marker 122 in Albemarle County the left shoulder and left lane are closed while first responders clear a stranded vehicle in the median. 

Secondary roads are also in moderate condition and have not been plowed. Snow accumulations range from three to four inches across the area as of 4 p.m. and travel is hazardous. VDOT is continuing to ask drivers to stay off the roads.

The worst may be yet to come. The snow is changing to sleet in some areas and is forecast to change to freezing rain early Sunday evening.  The wind will pick up significantly, which could result in downed trees and power lines. After that, bitterly cold temperatures will result in a refreeze, exacerbating dangerous conditions.

Again, VDOT urges the public to stay off the road, but for those who must travel during winter weather, be prepared with essential items, including:

• Keep at least a half-tank of fuel in the vehicle
• Carry a winter coat or blanket
• Keep winter clothing in the vehicle: Heavy shoes or boots, gloves and a hat
• A snow shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter
• Jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, ice scraper, phone charger and map (in case your phone battery goes dead)
• Non-perishable snacks and water

Those who must be on the road during the storm should reduce speed, increase following distance and use VDOT’s free 511 tools to find out about road conditions along the route.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or contact us online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. Local updates are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp and the district’s snow emergency webpage.

The Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.

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