IF you are scared about this "Winter Storm Warning" for Northern Virginia & the Metro D.C. area this is for you. If you really can't drive in snow do us all a favor and don't! And if you do drive on snowy roads, slow down! Better to be late than to not get to your destination at all!!!
Please be aware that winter weather is expected to impact Northern Virginia beginning early Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter
storm warning for 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday, for Northern Virginia
with four to six inches of snow forecast. Snowfall is expected to begin
around between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., ending between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Winds of 5-15 mph are forecast, with gusts around 25 mph.
Due to tomorrow's
special state senate election, crews will pay particular attention to
polling places in the 33rd District, which includes portions of eastern
Loudoun and western Fairfax counties. "We urge those in the 33rd
District to vote early tomorrow," said VDOT Northern Virginia District
Administrator Helen Cuervo, P.E. "While we have called in all of our
available state and contracted forces for this storm, it is best to vote
early and avoid deteriorating road conditions through the day."
Extremely cold temperatures will move into the state and last through Thursday.
The following information should help you prepare for the storm.
| VDOT |
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Currently,
crews are treating interstates and primary roads with salt brine or
anti-icing chemicals. Crews will be out in force overnight and through
the duration of the storm, treating icy roads and plowing snow.
During the storm, motorists should avoid driving on the roads. About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.
Road priorities and neighborhood snow plow tracker
- VDOT has activated a web-based neighborhood tracking map that monitors the status of plowing in Northern Virginia neighborhoods when it snows two inches or more. Please visit http://www.vdotplows.org/.
- VDOT's goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends.
- Crews
first begin clearing roads with the highest traffic volumes -
interstates and primary roads and then major secondary roads followed by
subdivision streets.
- A statewide network of 77 weather sensors in roadways and bridges, plus 16 mobile video data platforms, allows crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing.
Winter weather driving tips and other preparations:
- Stay off the
roads and allow VDOT to do their job. Most traffic accidents happen
within the first 2 hours after a storm starts. Abandoned cars are one of
the biggest obstacles to the plowing process.
- The goal in subdivision streets is to make all roads one lane passable, not clear them completely of snow.
- Do NOT pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
- Monitor your local news sources for the latest weather conditions
- Prepare your car for winter driving conditions, including having an emergency kit in your car
- Prepare your home for winter weather conditions in case of power outages
- Before getting behind the wheel, call 511, go to www.511virginia.org or download the 511 mobile app to get the latest road condition information
- You
can also call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) to report road hazards or
ask road-related questions at VDOT's 24-hour Customer Service Center
- When
driving, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, leave
plenty of driving room between you and the vehicle ahead and slow down.
- When
shoveling your own sidewalk/driveway, leave at least 5 feet of snow
from the curb until after the plow has passed through. Remember VDOT is
not responsible for clearing sidewalks; residents are encouraged to
clear sidewalks, especially those close to schools.
- Avoid
parking on the street, but if you have to park your car on the street,
park on the odd numbered side of the street. The more cars are parked on
the street, the less amount of snow is able to be plowed.
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Important Numbers
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Emergency contact information for reporting utility outages as well as general information is as follows:
Herndon Dept of Public Works: 703-435-6860
Police non-emergency numbers are:
Fairfax County:
703-691-2131
Loudoun County:
703-777-1021
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| Town of Herndon |
The
Department of Public Works is responsible for snow removal in the
town's right-of-way. Arterial routes receive first priority for salting,
sanding, and plowing. Upon completion of clearing these routes, town
crews will address all other streets in accordance with snow removal
policy. The Department of Public Works Operations Center will be staffed
during the snow storm. You can contact them at 703-435-6860. They ask
residents not to park on side streets or cul-de-sacs.
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Please take the time to prepare and stay safe.
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