Day-long storm in forecast: Snow and ice will impact both rush hours tomorrow, Jan. 14, says VDOT

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking drivers to prepare for a day-long storm tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, that could make driving hazardous in northern Virginia.

Drivers are asked to monitor weather forecasts today, and consider teleworking or delaying travel tomorrow. Drivers are also asked to plan for a longer than normal commute, with snow predicted in the morning and hazardous sleet and freezing rain beginning in the afternoon.

By 4 a.m. Wednesday, about 700 trucks will be staged throughout Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties to treat roads. Additional trucks may be added to handle sleet and snow during the afternoon commute.

Today, crews are pre-treating major roads and trouble spots in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. On interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—crews use liquid magnesium chloride. Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine.

VDOT reminds drivers to use caution in winter weather, and:
• Check http://www.511virginia.org for road conditions
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as ramps, bridges, hills and curves

Get more details at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/resources/snow/NOVA_Snow_Fact_Sheet_2014-15.pdf