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Police Urge Caution With Impending Winter Storm

Freezing overnight temperatures pose risk of icy roads

Drivers near Richmond
Drivers near Richmond
Matt Demlein, WRVA

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - In anticipation of a weekend of mixed precipitation across much of the Commonwealth, Virginia State Police (VSP) is encouraging drivers to get ready and plan ahead.

Forecasts currently show that most of the Commonwealth will see combinations of freezing rain and snow starting late Friday, Jan. 5 and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 7.


The Metro-Richmond, Tidewater, and Hampton Roads regions will experience mostly rain through the weekend, but freezing temperatures overnight pose a risk of icing and slick road conditions throughout the weekend.

Police advise residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving until weather conditions improve. If travel is necessary, police recommend taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of a crash:

Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, and it also helps other drivers see you better.

Slow your speed. Though state police work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.

Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.

Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.

Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.

Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

Freezing overnight temperatures pose risk of icy roads