RICHMOND, Va. -- The snowstorm that dumped more than two feet of snow in parts of Virginia Friday and Saturday continued to create problems on the roads Monday. The snow that melted Sunday froze overnight and made for icy road conditions, Virginia State Police reported.
"State police and VDOT continue to advise folks to avoid unnecessary travel if possible or at least delay travel in order to allow trucks to treat/clear highways and for the sun to help melt the ice and snow," Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. "There is still a large amount of snow covering piled up alongside the roads – and may be obscuring road signs, forcing pedestrians to walk in the roadway, and keeping roadways wet as it melts. Do be cautious and alert IF you have to travel today."
Fairfax County Sgt. J.L. Fielder (PHOTO: Virginia State Police)
Since the snow started Friday morning through Monday morning, Virginia State Police have responded to a total 8,412 calls for service (1,562 crashes and 2,502 disabled).
"Metro-Richmond and Northern Virginia regions have had the most disabled, stuck vehicles," Geller said. "State Police Richmond Division responded to 669 disabled vehicles; VSP Fairfax Division responded to 692 disabled vehicles."
Trooper Serkes on Afton Mountain Jan. 23, 2016 (PHOTO: Virginia State Police)
If you do travel Monday, police suggested the following safety precautions:
- Clear off ALL snow and ice from your vehicle – windows, roof, trunk and lights
- Add extra time to reach travel destination
- Slow speed for road conditions
- Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance
- Buckle up and don’t drive distracted
- MOVE OVER for all stopped emergency vehicles, highway vehicles and tow trucks.
