Winter weather advisory canceled; Area schools close due to inclement weather

The wintry mix of snow, sleet and ice that fell overnight has prompted school officials to close the following public schools in Winchester and the following counties: Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, Clarke, Page. Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy is also closed today.

Lord Fairfax Community College reports classes at all three campuses will begin at 10 a.m. today.

In Washington, non-emergency federal workers may arrive at work no more than two hours later than scheduled today, and they have the option for unscheduled leave or telework, according to the Office of Personnel Management.

The National Weather Service reported at 6:10 a.m. today that precipitation has ended and as a result the Winter Weather Advisory is canceled, but officials there urge motorists to use caution this morning due to icy patches on roads. Visit nvdaily.com's Weather Center for weather updates.

The Virginia Department of Transportation reports road conditions vary from minor to moderate on valley roads this morning. Here's the 4:30 a.m. VDOT road report:

EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ROAD CONDITIONS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY

STAUNTON (4:30 a.m.) - Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews continue plowing and treating the roadways in the Shenandoah Valley this morning. Motorists should use extreme caution while traveling. Be alert of snow and icy patches, especially in shaded areas such as bridges and overpasses.

Here are the road conditions as of 4:30 a.m.

Interstate 64 - Minor conditions are in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties.

Interstate 66 - Minor conditions are in Warren County.

Interstate 81 - Minor conditions are in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Frederick and Shenandoah counties.

Primary roads - Moderate conditions are in Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Frederick and Clarke counties. Minor conditions are in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Page, Warren and Shenandoah counties.

Secondary roads - Moderate conditions are in Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Frederick, Shenandoah, Page and Clarke counties. Minor conditions are in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge and Warren counties.

For winter weather road conditions go to www.511Virginia.org, look to the left side of the page and click on the "Road Conditions" bar. A map will appear with color coded roads. Right above the map is a link reading: "Click here for a list of road conditions, including secondary roads". Click on this link, then in the drop-down box click on the desired county or Virginia statewide. A text box of road conditions will appear.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org. For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia's roads.

VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT webpage is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

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Road condition definitions:
Severe - drifting or partially blocked road.  Snow tires or chains are necessary.
Moderate - snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.  Snow tires or chains are advisable.
Minor - bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.  Driving with caution is recommended.