Treacherous road conditions feared as snow blankets Dan River Region

7:30 a.m. UPDATE

Danville was blanketed with about 3 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is reporting that icy patches on roads are possible and urges motorists to use caution. 

VDOT will continue to plow and/or treat state-maintained roads as needed. 

As of 10:30 a.m., major roads across the VDOT Lynchburg district, which includes Pittsylvania County, are clear of snow while crews continue to work on secondary routes.   

Conditions are rapidly improving, said VDOT spokeswoman Paula Jones, in a news release. However, moisture left on the roads will likely refreeze overnight and into the early morning hours Tuesday.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Danville/Pittsylvania County area will wake up to 2-5 inches of snow Monday morning — and hazardous road conditions, according to Jeff Haniewich, chief meteorologist for WSLS10.

“It will get down in the 20s tonight, so morning travel could be treacherous,” Haniewich said at about 4 p.m. Sunday. “Be very, very careful.”

Haniewich also warned that road conditions could also be very dangerous Tuesday morning, after the snow has a chance to melt in the warmer daytime temperatures, and then refreeze was night falls, creating areas of black ice.

Crews have been spreading brine, salt and sand on main roads and overpasses all day, according to Robert Ferguson, at Danville Public Works.

Ferguson said there had been no reports of especially icy places, because the temperature had not yet dropped to freezing.

“But it’s getting close,” Ferguson said, and shortly after 4 p.m., the temperature gauge at Danville Regional Airport read 32 degrees.

Ferguson said a full crew would be working overnight, continuing to keep main roads and connecting roads clear.

 The Virginia Department of Transportation has issued a warning for drivers to drive carefully, if they have to drive at all, while the snow storm is occurring or afterwards.

VDOT offered the following tips for driving in winter weather:

» Postpone unnecessary travel until conditions improve. If you must drive, know the current road conditions and weather forecasts.

» Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.

» Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Also, if there is heavy snow, ice or high winds, be alert to potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees and power lines.

» Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.

» Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. Remember, the plow is clearing a path for you.