Winter storm warning

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. today through 6 a.m. Sunday. Expect heavy snow with accumulations from 6 to 12 inches through Saturday with locally higher amounts possible Saturday night. Temperatures will be in the upper 20s to lower 30s in the valley and in the lower to mid-20s in the mountains. Visit nvdaily.com's Weather Center for updates.

The following press release was issued Friday by the Virginia Department of Transportation:

VDOT FORCES READY FOR WEEKEND WINTER STORM

Drivers urged to use 511 in advance of travels and make way for snow removal efforts

RICHMOND -- Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are prepared for full response to the predicted statewide weekend winter storm. VDOT is monitoring weather reports and will begin preparations today.

The agency will spray anti-icing chemicals on pavements and bridges, and prepare personnel, supplies and equipment to address this weekend's weather beginning today.

"As an emergency response agency, Virginians can count on us to keep people, services and goods moving safely around the commonwealth," said David S. Ekern, VDOT commissioner. "Our crews are prepared to respond to the predicted major storm beginning Friday through Sunday in all areas of the state."

Driving Tips
VDOT reminds motorists to use caution when driving during wintry weather. Drivers should:

• Check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org


• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination


• 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


• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary

VDOT's Winter Weather Tools
Last year, VDOT expanded the use of the latest anti-icing techniques and will continue to use these methods during the 2009-2010 snow season. Anti-icing involves applying chemicals to roadways before a storm to prepare the pavement and prevent a bond from forming between the surface and the snow and ice. VDOT will use anti-icing chemicals, including salt brine, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, on roads around the state this winter.

This year, VDOT has 2,314 pieces of snow removal equipment, 3,146 crew members, 62,000 tons of sand and 239,000 tons of salt available to keep roads clear.

Priorities for Clearing Roads
VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after a storm ends. Crews first clear interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. They will then treat secondary roads and subdivision streets if multi-day storms hit Virginia, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.

Motorist Resources
VDOT has a variety of information sources for road condition updates. The 511 traveler-information service gives drivers the most up-to-date data available about weather, construction and accidents that may affect travel. Updates can be received by calling 511 from any landline or wireless phone or by going online to www.511virginia.org <http://www.511virginia.org/> to view traffic cameras, the road condition map and the road condition table-report. Individuals can sign up for e-mail alerts that include weather and incident reporting on the 511 Web site.

For overall winter weather information, VDOT's Web site includes frequently asked questions, driving tips and tools for motorists to learn more about VDOT's winter preparedness at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

Drivers can also view videos detailing how VDOT prepares for winter weather and address snow and ice on You Tube. Snow videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/vdotweb#grid/user/84A0942814F2FECC

For more information about Virginia's efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov <http://www.readyvirginia.gov/> . The National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services and other state agencies have created the "Ready Virginia" resource to provide residents and visitors with a one-stop shop for emergency preparedness tips and information.