SALEM – A wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is falling currently and creating slick road conditions in portions of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Salem District. Snow plow operators have been responding overnight in the affected counties. With precipitation continuing, crews are currently focusing their efforts on the primary roads, those numbered 1-599.
As of 4 a.m., road conditions in western Virginia range from minor (ice or snow patches) to moderate (snow or ice covered). Locations south of Roanoke and along the North Carolina border have seen the most snow or ice so far during this winter weather event.
All roads in Carroll, Henry, Franklin and Patrick counties currently are covered in snow or ice. Roads in Floyd and Bedford are in minor condition, which means they have isolated slick or icy spots. With precipitation continuing and the storm moving from south to north, conditions will change. For real-time road condition information, go to www.511Virginia.org.
If possible, drivers are encouraged to delay trips today until the winter weather event has passed and equipment operators have had more time to make progress on treating roads. If driving is necessary, motorists should check road conditions before heading out, allow extra time for travel and use caution.
Motorists are reminded that during any winter weather event, the primary roads (those numbered 1-599) are the top priority for VDOT snow plow operators and contractors. Crews will continue to work on these routes until the winter precipitation stops and these major routes are plowed and treated before working on neighborhood streets or secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above).
The 12-county VDOT Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke. VDOT is responsible for maintaining county roads; cities and large towns are responsible for snow removal on roads maintained by that locality.