Virginia residents advised to delay travel as winter storm brings more snowfall

Fredericksburg, Virginia – An additional round of snow is expected to impact the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula this morning, creating hazardous travel conditions during the peak commuter rush. Up to an inch of new snowfall may accumulate, quickly covering previously cleared roads and making them slippery once again.

Dangerous Road Conditions Persist

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging travelers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. With temperatures remaining below freezing, wet pavement may have frozen overnight, creating icy patches, especially on bridges, ramps, curves, and less-traveled roads. Even areas that were plowed and treated may see deteriorating conditions as the new snow settles.

VDOT crews are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts to ensure state-maintained roads remain as safe as possible. Their priority is clearing interstates and high-traffic primary roads (numbered 1 to 599). After those roads are addressed, they will shift their focus to major secondary routes (numbered 600 and above) that lead to hospitals, fire stations, and other essential locations. Once conditions improve on these higher-traffic roads, crews will begin plowing and treating subdivision streets and low-volume secondary roads.

Current Road Conditions Across the Region

VDOT has reported varying conditions across the 14-county Fredericksburg District.

Fredericksburg Area

• Interstate 95 has been cleared enough to show bare pavement in three travel lanes, but drivers should remain cautious as some patches of snow and ice remain.
• Primary and high-volume secondary roads are in minor condition, meaning some pavement is visible, but icy patches and lingering snow pose a risk.
• Lower-volume secondary roads also remain in minor condition, requiring extra caution.

Middle Peninsula

• Primary roads in Gloucester and Middlesex counties are in moderate condition, with visible pavement in some areas but significant amounts of snow and slush still covering the roadway.
• In Essex, King and Queen, King William, and Mathews counties, primary roads are in minor condition with fewer hazardous spots.
• Secondary roads in the entire region are in severe condition, meaning they are still partially or fully covered by snow and slush.

Northern Neck

• Primary roads in King George and Westmoreland counties have been cleared.
• In Richmond and Northumberland counties, primary roads are in minor condition, with isolated patches of snow remaining.
• In Lancaster County, primary roads are still in moderate condition with a more substantial amount of snow and slush.
• Secondary roads vary, with King George County reporting minor conditions, while Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland, and Lancaster counties report moderate conditions with significant snow coverage.

Challenges from Blowing Snow

Strong wind gusts expected this afternoon could further complicate road conditions, particularly in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Open fields near roadways may allow snow to drift back onto roads that have already been cleared, reducing visibility and making driving more hazardous.

Snow Removal and Driveway Tips

VDOT reminds residents that while snowplows work to clear roads efficiently, they often push snow onto road shoulders and into gutters, which may cause driveways to become blocked again. To avoid additional work, homeowners should wait to clear their driveways until after a plow has passed. Shoveling snow to the right side of the driveway when facing the road can also help minimize the chance of snow being pushed back into the cleared area.

Proceed with Caution

VDOT advises residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. With ongoing snow accumulation, icy patches, and strong winds causing drifting snow, conditions are expected to remain hazardous throughout the day. Those who must drive should reduce speed, increase following distance, and remain vigilant for unexpected icy spots, particularly on hills, ramps, and bridges.

Crews will remain in operation until all state-maintained roads are cleared and safe for travel.