Loudoun Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Shoveling Tips, And More

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA— Loudoun County experienced winter weather on Thursday, with snow, sleet and ice throughout the area. As the precipitation accumulates, there are several things that residents should know about snow removal in Loudoun County.

How can I keep track of snow removal?
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for treating and clearing public roads in Loudoun County. VDOT has multiple resources you can use:

• 1-800-FOR-ROAD to report road conditions
• www.vdotplows.org for the 24/7 status of plows and trucks (available when two inches have accumulated)
• @VaDOTNOVA on Twitter
• Snow Removal Fact Sheet

You can also search road condition reports in your area at 511Virginia.org. You can see live cameras on interstates and major roadways and intersections, too.

If I'm driving, what should I know?

• While snow is falling, VDOT crews will make repeated passes on Interstates 95 and 66, the Beltway, primary roads and key secondary roads to keep travel lanes clear.
• VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 24 hours of a storm's end.
• Motorists are encouraged to delay any nonessential travel.
• VDOT's Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

Shoveling requirements in Loudoun County

Loudoun County residents are required to clear snow from their sidewalks if they are along a public street, according to a county ordnance. The ordnance requires residents to clear their walkways within six hour after the snowfall ends. If the snowfall ends during the night, then residents have until noon the next day to clear their sidewalk.

Loudoun County also requests that people clear the areas around fire hydrants, according to the county's website. A three-foot clearing around fire hydrants can help firefighters in an emergency.

What are some tips for snow shoveling?

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter.
• Push the snow rather than lifting it.
• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.