VDOT asks drivers to prepare for late winter storm tonight

The Virginia Department of Transportation is preparing for another potential winter storm tonight, and advises drivers to stay off roads during freezing rain and snow expected through tomorrow morning.

VDOT said its crews will mobilize by 6 p.m. today. By midnight more than 2,000 trucks are expected to be staged along interstates, major roads and neighborhood streets in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties, according to a VDOT news release.

Info for northern Virginia drivers and residents:

• Drivers are strongly advised to stay home during the storm, overnight tonight and into Monday morning.

• Crews will plow and treat interstates, major roads and neighborhoods concurrently.

• Prince William, Loudoun and Fairfax residents can enter their address at http://www.vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in their neighborhood.

• Park in your driveway or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass.

• People who shovel snow are advised to “leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed, as the truck will push some snow back.” Shovel to the right facing the road, VDOT said.

• Chemicals are not used in subdivisions, but crews sand hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to ten feet wide, is made.

Get more information via Twitter: @vadotnova. Real-time traffic info can be obtained via 511 app, @511northernva and http://www.511virginia.org Repor.t road problems at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).