SALEM DISTRICT: WINTERY MIX MAY CAUSE SLICK ROADS IN SOME AREAS

SALEM – The wintery mix of precipitation forecasted to begin early Friday morning may cause slick roads in some areas of the Salem District. Drivers are encouraged to use caution if driving and to check road conditions. A difference in just a few degrees of air or ground temperatures will determine if ice accumulates on roadways or not.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is mobilized to treat roads overnight if needed. If ice starts to form on road surfaces, crews will spread a mixture of abrasives and salt. The abrasives increase traction, and the salt helps melt the frozen precipitation and prevents it from bonding to the road surface.

During a freezing rain event, drivers should pay particular attention to cooler areas such as bridges, overpasses, ramps, higher elevations and shady spots where ice may form first.

Before traveling, motorists can find current road conditions by calling 511 or visiting www.511Virginia.org.

To request road maintenance services, citizens can call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-ROAD (7623).

The Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.

Roanoke Times Weatherman, Kevin Myatt has information  on his Weather Journal Blog that is helpful. Temperatures will hover in the mid 30′s most of the day Friday into Saturday. Temperatures will be colder in higher elevations.