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Weather

Stay safe and stay informed when inclement weather hits.

    Snow plows

    Winter driving

    The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. Approximately, 70% of snow-related deaths occur in automobiles. Stay safe in a winter storm with these tips and resources.

    Even experienced drivers can find their nerves and skills tested by winter road conditions. 

    Here are some tips to help you drive safely as the weather turns cold:

    • Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecast. For statewide highway information 24 hours a day, call 511, go to the 511 website or download the app.
    • Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter:
      • Check your brakes and tires.
      • Check your battery and ignition system.
      • Check your antifreeze and thermostat.
      • Check your windshield wipers and de-icing washer fluid.
      • Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers.
      • Check your exhaust system, heater and defroster.
      • Check your oil.
      • Properly lubricate door locks that may be prone to freezing.
    • Clear the snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood and trunk and especially from the windows, mirrors and lights.
    • Always wear your seat belt.
    • Leave a few minutes early.
    • Start out slowly in the lowest gear recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
    • Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
    • Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
    • Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
    • Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.
    • Give crews room to clear roads. This way, first-responders can respond quickly.
    • Don't dress children in heavy coats when they're secured in a car seat.

    Snow removal resources

    VDOT encourages all motorists to avoid non-essential travel during winter weather and, if traveling, to observe extreme caution when on the roadways. Prior to travel, VDOT also encourages motorists to inspect their vehicle's tires, fluid levels and to clear all ice snow from windows, windshields and mirrors that may block visibility. Additionally, motorists are encouraged to keep an emergency winter driving kit in their vehicles in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.

     An emergency winter driving kit should have: 

    • Flashlight and extra batteries
    • Ice scraper
    • Cell phone and charger
    • Jumper cables
    • Blankets or quilts
    • First aid kit
    • Bottled water
    • Non-perishable food (nuts, energy bars)
    • Abrasive material for traction (cat litter, sand)
    • Shovel

    If you get stuck in your vehicle:

    • Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
    • Make yourself visible to rescuers:
      • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
      • Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door.
      • Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
    • Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but could be too far to walk to in deep snow.
    • Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
    • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Vigorously move your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
    • In extreme cold, use seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
    • Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
    • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
    • Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.
    • Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
    • If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
    • Leave the car and proceed on foot – if necessary – once the storm passes.

    Be prepared

    Let us work

    • Give crews room to clear roads. This way, first-responders can respond quickly.
    • Adjust commutes, telework, or avoid driving during a storm and after until road conditions improve.
    • Park in driveways or on the same side of the street.

    Stay informed

    Report dangerous conditions

    Contact the VDOT Customer Service Center or call 1-800-367-ROAD for questions or to report hazardous road conditions.

    Real-time snow plow map

    Real-time snow plow map

    In your area, find out where plows have been as well as where they are headed. VDOT activates the online neighborhood tracking map when snow reaches two inches or more. Most VDOT trucks are equipped with automatic vehicle location technology.

    Driving in the rain

    With heavy rain comes the possibility of flooding. Drivers should use extreme caution while traveling through low-lying areas or on roads that are prone to flooding. 

    • Be sure to turn on your lights. Remember, it’s the law.
    • Just like in winter weather, try to keep a little more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Four to five seconds is a good rule. 
    • Watch for debris in the roadway, such as downed trees or limbs.
    • Watch and be prepared for spray from larger vehicles like trucks.
    • Never drive through standing water. This could cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle.
    • If you come across a flooded road that has not been barricaded, turn around and use an alternate route. Do not try to move or drive around the barricade.
    • There is no way to tell if flooded roads have been washed out by swift-moving waters.
    • If you come across a downed power line, DO NOT try to move the line. Stay well away and contact your local authorities.
    • Rapidly rising water could engulf your vehicle and sweep it away. According to the National Weather Service, two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile-based. 

    VDOT’s key role is responding to storms is to open roads as quickly and safely as possible.

    Other responsibilities include: 

    • Setting up traffic control and detours and assisting with traffic control for evacuations
    • Removing debris and branches from roadways and coordinating clean-up with other entities – such as power companies
    • Making emergency repairs to damaged roads and bridges
    • Assessing damages and providing emergency engineering services
    • Coordinating long-term recovery to restore transportation infrastructure
    • Providing emergency plans and procedures
    • Providing back-up communications to support emergency response and recovery operations 
    Caution high water photo

    Hurricanes

    Hurricane preparedness

    Hurricane preparedness

    Visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for information on hurricane preparedness.

    Tornadoes

    Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. In southern states, peak tornado occurrence is March through May, while peak months in northern states are during the summer. Tornadoes are most likely between 3 and 9 p.m. but have occurred at all hours.

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    Many confuse the meaning of a tornado "watch" and tornado "warning" when they are issued by the National Weather Service.

    Watch: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

    Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to a pre-designated place of safety.

    The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale)

    EF SCALE
    EF Rating 3 Second Gust (mph)
    0 65-85
    1 86-110
    2 111-135
    3 136-165
    4 166-200
    5 Over 200

    About 70 percent of tornadoes are weak and last between one and 10 minutes.

    About 10 percent of tornadoes are strong and last 20 minutes or more. 

    Only two percent of tornadoes are considered violent. They cause the most deaths and can last for well over an hour.

    It's important to remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.

    Look for environmental clues including a dark sky, large hail or a loud roar.

    If a warning is issued, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. Stay away from windows. Get out of automobiles and lie flat in a ditch or depression.
     
    Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.

    For additional safety information, visit this page.

    Last updated: January 25, 2024

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