Officials from around the Peninsula and state are looking ahead and offering citizens tips to prepare for the impending winter storm.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield is predicting 5 to 9 inches of snow overnight Monday in Williamsburg, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday in the Historic Triangle.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe is expected to declare a state of emergency at 3 p.m.
On the Roads and in Your Car
Before heading out on the roads tonight and Tuesday morning, the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation advise checking the antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels in vehicles.
Check that car headlights are clean and working, test the car’s battery and equip it car with a winter weather preparedness kit that includes a flashlight and extra batteries, an extra cell phone charger, a first aid kit, warm clothes, snacks and a blanket.
Officials are urging citizens to drive below the speed limit while there is snow and sleet on the roads.
“Even if you’re driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you cannot safely do 80 mph during a snowstorm,” the Virginia State Police said in a news release on its Facebook page Monday.
While driving, avoid abrupt tailgating, acceleration and braking as well as unnecessary lane changes, especially if snow is covering the lane markings.
“Be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination,” the post said.
With the temperature dropping to below freezing overnight, the roads may freeze over and create black ice.
McAuliffe announced Sunday night VDOT is preparing for the storm and has already laid brine to prevent ice on many of the major roadways in Virginia.
“VDOT crews, equipment and resources are ready to go to treat and plow roads,” McAulliffe said in a news release.
VDOT said its goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours of a winter storm passing. Crews will be focusing on removing snow from the interstates and primary roads first before shifting to secondary roads as conditions improve.
VDOT has nearly 12,000 pieces of equipment including plows, trucks and moto graders ready for snow removal and 2,500 crew members ready to work in shifts.
Citizens are asked to slow down and give slow-moving equipment operators the right of way.
Bracing for the Cold
The Virginia Department of Health and Emergency Management is reminding citizens to take precautions when going outdoors in the next few days.
“When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, causing cold-weather health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia,” said State Health Commissioner Marissa J. Levine in a news release.
She suggests citizens wear clothing appropriate for cold weather, such as gloves or mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots with several layers of loose-fitting thermal clothing, and change immediately if the clothes become wet.
Parents should also monitor the amount of time children are out in the cold.
