Joe Dashiell/Nadia Singh/WDBJ7 Web Staff WDBJ7 Reporter WDBJ7

2:32 p.m. EST, January 18, 2013

INTERSTATE 77

2:30 p.m. update, from VDOT: The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews with help from today’s sunshine have cleared many snow and ice covered roads across the state.  The hardest hit area remains in the Bristol region of southwestern Virginia where I-77 has been slow going due to accidents. Currently all lanes are open, but could change quickly depending on incidents.  While the driving surface of I-77 is clear and wet, refreezing is anticipated when temperatures drop again tonight. 

Across the state, most major roads, including interstate and primary routes, are clear this afternoon.  VDOT crews are focusing efforts on clearing secondary and neighborhood roads.

Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution because there are icy patches and some slick conditions particularly on bridges and overpasses.  Refreezing is expected on wet roads as the sun goes down.  VDOT crews will continue to work to treat roads and improve traction so driving conditions are safe as possible.

The storm hit mainly the southern section of the state from I-64 south, where most road conditions are reported.  Roads in the northern section of Virginia are clear.  


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 ROANOKE AREA

11:45 am. update -- In the City of Roanoke, the following streets are closed:

2000 block of Brandon Avenue
1500 block of Templeton Avenue
2300 block of Ross Lane
1300 block of 14th Street, SE
Brandon Avenue and Franklin Road
600 block of Brandon Avenue
12th Street and Melrose Avenue
2600 block of Bandy Road

From VDOT -- Snow plow drivers with the Virginia Department of Transportation and its contractors have been working since yesterday to plow and treat roads throughout southwestern Virginia.  Road conditions are improving with warmer temperatures and as crews are making progress on plowing.

Heavy snow on tree branches continues to down trees throughout the region.  Debris removal crews have been dispatched to remove trees from roadways.    

As of 11:30 a.m., motorists can expect the following road conditions for the 12-county Salem District: 

Interstate 81 and Interstate 581 in the Roanoke area are clear of snow.  In the New River Valley, I-81 in Montgomery and Pulaski counties is in minor condition.   Interstate 77 is Carroll County is in moderate condition.

All primary (those numbered 1-599) roads in the 12-county district are clear or minor at this time.  The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

Snow plow drivers are concentrating their efforts today on secondary roads and neighborhood streets (those numbered 600 and above) and trouble spots.

7:25 a.m. update -- City of Roanoke road closures -- The following roads remain closed this morning due to fallen trees and/or powerlines:
2000 block of Brandon Avenue
1500 block of Templeton Avenue
2300 block of Ross Lane
1300 block of 14th Street, SE
Brandon Avenue and Franklin Road
600 block of Brandon Avenue
The Roanoke Police Department asks drivers to please avoid these areas.

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Snow plow drivers with the Virginia Department of Transportation and its contractors have been working overnight to plow and treat roads throughout southwestern Virginia.  Road conditions vary this morning.  In addition, numerous downed trees have been reported throughout southwestern Virginia due to heavy snow.  Motorists are encouraged to consider postponing travel until road conditions improve. 

As of 4:30 a.m., motorists can expect the following road conditions for the 12-county Salem District: 

Interstate 81 and Interstate 581 in the Roanoke area are clear of snow.  In the New River Valley, I-81 in Montgomery and Pulaski counties is in minor condition.   Interstate 77 is snow covered with disable vehicles reported along the roadway.  

In Roanoke, Botetourt and Craig counties, primary roads (those numbered 1-599) and secondary roads (those numbered higher than 600) are in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots.

In Floyd County, all roads (primary and secondary) are in severe condition which means they are covered with several inches of snow.

In Carroll County, all roads (primary and secondary) are in moderate condition which means they are snow covered.

In Montgomery and Pulaski counties, primary roads are in moderate condition, which means they are snow covered and secondary roads are in severe condition which means they are covered with significant amounts of snow.

In Giles County, primary roads are in minor condition, which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots, but the secondary roads are in severe condition and covered with about a foot of snow.

In Bedford and Franklin counties, primary roads are in minor condition which means they are mostly clear with isolated slick spots and secondary roads and neighborhood streets are in moderate condition which means the are snow covered.

In Henry and Patrick counties, all roads (primary and secondary) are in moderate condition, which means they are snow covered.

Road condition definitions:
Severe – Significant accumulations of snow; partially block the road; conditions are hazardous
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway. 
Minor – wet pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush

LYNCHBURG AREA

11 a.m. update: After days of rain followed by wet snow, sunshine has made a return to the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) this morning.    

Crews worked throughout the night pushing snow and applying salt, sand and other abrasives and removing downed trees, as well as responding to flooded roadways in, primarily, Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties.

Most major roadways in the area were in good condition this morning but icy conditions could be found.  Those icy conditions could return tonight when melted precipitation refreezes and motorists need to continue to be vigilant. 

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6 a.m. update: The Lynchburg Department of Public Works is advising all motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling this morning. Black ice may be on some streets that may appear clear. Motorists should pay special attention on bridges, overpasses, and low-lying areas.

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The snow is over and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews in the Lynchburg District have moved their efforts to secondary routes while continuing to monitor conditions on primary roads. 

Crews have worked throughout the overnight hours pushing snow and applying salt, sand and other abrasives and removing downed trees and many of the major roads are free of snow; however, icy conditions remain.   

Travel may be difficult through the early morning hours due to icy conditions. Motorists should take particular care on bridges, ramps and overpasses which tend to freeze first and remain frozen longer.