ROANOKE, Va. — With a winter storm expected to hit southwest Virginia over the next several days, officials are urging everyone to stay ready for anything.
“We really need folks to take this seriously,” said VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
If possible, stay off the roads completely while the storm is going on to allow work trucks, snowplows, and emergency personnel to do their jobs.
For those that have to drive, these tips are advised.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Watch out for obstacles like black ice, downed power lines, and fallen trees, especially on back roads.
- Don’t pass emergency or work vehicles.
- Plan ahead with proper fuel and emergency items.
“If there’s an incident and you get stuck out on the roadways in the extreme cold, make sure your vehicles are fueled and ready to go so you’re not at risk of running out of fuel on the interstates or main roads,” said Roanoke Emergency Management Battalion Chief Trevor Shannon.