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Stay home. That was the clear message given to The Herald when we checked in with State Police about conditions for local roads and traffic accidents overnight. As the winter storm moves across Virginia, there have been 181 reported crashes, 20 with reported injuries. In the Appomattox District, of which Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward are a part, 11 crashes were reported through 4 a.m. Monday. 

“Virginia State Police has increased the number of state troopers on the roads to respond to crashes,” said Matt Demlein. He serves as the Virginia State Police Public Relations Coordinator. Demlein added that troopers are working 12-hour shifts to handle situations that pop up during and after the storm. 

But the message from Demlein, one echoed by state and local agencies, was a simple one. Don’t leave your house unless you have today. By 10 a.m. Monday, the snow is expected to shift over to freezing rain, but even then, there are concerns for drivers. The temperature isn’t expected to climb above 35 degrees at any point today, with another round of snow anticipated tonight. As of 6 a.m., the National Weather Service out of Wakefield says snow should fall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight. 

“We highly suggest to stay safe inside your homes and not do any unnecessary driving,” said Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office officials in a statement. “Enjoy the snow with your kids and family!” 

Farmville Police, the Prince Edward and Cumberland Sheriff’s Offices and the Farmville Fire Department all put out similar statements, saying Monday is not the best time to go on the road. If you have to venture out, you can check the specific road conditions at 511 Virginia by clicking here. 

VDOT says bare roads will take a while 

With all of that snow in the forecast tonight, officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation said not to expect clear roads for some time. 

“Crews are working around the clock to remove snow and treat state-maintained roads until they are passable,” said VDOT spokesman Marshall Herman in a statement. “Snow removal operations take time, so travelers should not expect to see bare roads during — and for a period after — the storm. Due to the rate of snowfall, snowplows will have to make multiple passes to remove snow.” 

Herman and Demlein agreed that the previous snow, combined with a mix of rain, freezing rain and sleet in the region, has caused hazardous driving conditions. Most of the state-maintained roadways are in moderate condition, meaning there is snow or ice on major portions. 

So are the roads clear? No. As of 6 a.m. are they usable? VDOT officials said if you have to leave the house this morning, do it slowly. That’s both to deal with ice and snow on the road and any other drivers you might encounter. 

With the second round of snowfall expected tonight, VDOT officials say it could be Tuesday before some roads are clear. Once the priority roads are fully drivable, then VDOT crews will turn their attention to the secondary roads and neighborhoods. However, right now, VDOT officials say their focus is clearing the highways and major areas.