CULPEPER — An Arctic blast across the Commonwealth ushered in strong wind gusts and bitterly cold temperatures for Friday. The combination is keeping Virginia Department of Transportation crews busy today. 

At this hour, crews in Culpeper District are reporting several trees down in Madison County and are expecting more across the nine county area which stretches from Albemarle County north through Fauquier County. Plow trucks spent the overnight hours spreading salt and sand on roads at higher elevations, including Interstate 64 and U.S. 250 in Albemarle County and U.S. 33 crossing Swift Run Gap in Greene County. 

If you see a downed tree, VDOT asks you to report it to our Customer Service Center by calling 1-800 FOR ROAD, or 1-800-367-7623, or visiting VA511. Culpeper District crews are on the job handling current problem areas, and contracted “cut and toss” crews are on standby to help if need be. Remember to stay clear of any downed trees with entangled power lines. 

VDOT is also warning drivers that the bitterly cold temperatures may result in icy patches on roadways. If the roadway looks wet, it’s probably ice. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, ramps, and intersections. Also watch for slippery sidewalks and pavement. Although the high wind is helping to dry out roadways, the low temperatures will cause a re-freeze on any damp or wet surfaces tonight. 

Overnight rain also flooded several secondary roads across the area. Please watch for closures and do not try to drive through flooded areas. 

If you can alter your travel plans due to these adverse driving conditions, please do. However, if you must travel, please pack an emergency road kit. 

Safety and Travel Resources 

When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.  

Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.  

Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp. 

Visit VDOT’s winter weather page for more information about winter weather preparations and response.

 (END)