Wet roads could ice with flash freeze possible

With heavy rain followed by below freezing temperatures, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is cautioning drivers to watch out for possible icy conditions on December 24-25.

As cold air moves through southwestern Virginia on Thursday night and Friday morning, wet roads can freeze and precipitation may transition from rain to light accumulating snow, particularly along the western slopes, border counties with West Virginia and in the higher elevations.

VDOT crews and contractors will be monitoring conditions and responding as necessary. Equipment operators will apply salt to melt ice and abrasives such as sand or crushed stone to provide traction.

Drivers are encouraged to pay attention to forecasts and consider adjusting travel until road conditions improve if ice or snow accumulation does occur.

If traveling on Thursday night or Christmas Day, motorists should use caution, particularly on bridges, ramps, overpasses, cooler spots and in the mountainous locations where icy spots can form first.

Travelers can get real-time information about road conditions, traffic incidents and congestion on Virginia roads by using VDOT’s 511 free mobile app or the www.511Virginia.org website and phone system, which can help drivers plan accordingly.