Live Traffic Updates: Black Ice Concerns as Snow Melts

Sunshine helped clear plowed interstates and highways Sunday, but Virginia State Police is cautioning that overnight conditions far below freezing mean real potential for black ice.

The roads may appear passable, but looks can be deceiving and the Virginia State Police are still encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, according to police spokesperson Corinne Geller.

“In many places, snow is piled up several feet high alongside the interstates and highway ramps,” she said. “That snow is melting and pooling in travel lanes and will turn into ice overnight.”

Track snow plows at VDOT Plows.

Through the duration of the storm, from midnight Friday to 3 p.m. Sunday, state troopers responded to 1,464 traffic crashes and another 2,214 disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth.

Most of those incidents were in Northern Virginia and Richmond.

photos: Virginia State Police; Fairfax County Police

Reminders from VDOT:

• Crews work to clear interstates and primary roads first, then major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, then other secondary roads and subdivision streets. Crews focus their efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.
• You can monitor road conditions and view live cameras at 511virginia.org. In Northern Virginia, visit the online neighborhood tracking map that monitors the status of plowing.

Pedestrians are also a concern for law enforcement, according to VSP spokesperson Corinne Geller.

“We appreciate folks not driving, but walking can also be very dangerous as people are forced to walk actually in the roads,” she said. “If you do have to walk, then please wear bright, reflective clothig.”

Also, walk against traffic so you can see any oncoming vehicles and do not walk distracted (no texting or earbuds). Also, be sure you dress for the temperatures to avoid frostbite.