It’s going to be a frigid weekend, and crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are ready.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the area, starting tonight at midnight and carrying into noon tomorrow.
Snow and sleet with an accumulation of less than half an inch and glaze ice is expected, said NWS reports. Snow and sleet will begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning and then change to freezing rain.
“A fresh surge of arctic air is flowing southward from western Canada and this will reinforce the very cold conditions already in place across the northern tier states,” stated an NWS release.
Roads and walkways are expected to be icy, and drivers are being urged to use caution.
Earlier this week, VDOT treated the roads with anti-icing material in the Prince William area.
“About 1,100 trucks will report across northern Virginia beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, to focus on treating roads through the weekend with mixes of salt, sand and liquid magnesium chloride,” stated VDOT in a release.
Here are some safety tips from VDOT:
Avoid driving during winter weather.
Consider postponing early-morning travel until pavement temperatures improve and daylight can provide better visibility.
Allow plenty of time for weather conditions and increased holiday traffic.
Allow plenty of room for road-treatment trucks.
Slow down and be aware of potential slick spots.
