Prince William Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Shoveling, And More

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Residents around Prince William County woke up to a covering of snow on Thursday morning. The snow and sleet is expected to continue throughout the day on Thursday, with some ice accumulating. Here's what Prince William County residents should know about snow removal in the area.

How can I keep track of snow removal?
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for treating and clearing public roads in Prince William 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.

What Motorists Should 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.
• Residential streets and cul-de-sacs are usually the last roads to be plowed.
• VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 24 hours of the 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).

The Prince William County government, police department, and department of fire and rescue are all active online during winter storm events.

• Information related to any impacts the storm will have on Prince William County are available on the county's website, as well as the county's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• The County's Police Department and Department of Fire and Rescue have social media accounts. Please consider following them to stay informed.
• Know about road closures in the county by signing up to receive text/email notifications.

What are some tips for snow shoveling?

• 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.