Sunday, January 31, 2010
Winter weather wallops area again
Though this snowfall was about half of the amount that fell last month, the effects were felt widely throughout the region.
Eric Brady | The Roanoke Times
Timothy Brown of Roanoke looks for downtown businesses that need their sidewalks cleared Saturday morning. See more photos.
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Sgt. J.W. Smith of the Virginia State Police had a quick, simple answer when asked how many weather-related incidents occurred Saturday: "A lot."
By Saturday evening, he said, there had been 102 vehicle accidents in the Roanoke and New River valleys, none of which were fatal. There were several injuries, the details of which won't be available until Monday, Smith said.
In addition to accidents, he said there are "quite a few" abandoned vehicles throughout the area because of drivers losing control and getting stuck.
Saturday's winter storm dumped 8 to 12 inches of snow on the Roanoke and New River valleys and surrounding counties, according to the National Weather Service. It came six weeks after the region was hit by a snowstorm of 1 to 2 feet on Dec. 18 and 19.
Roanoke Regional Airport also cancelled all flights Saturday because of weather conditions.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said in a release that crews will continue plowing roads in 12-hour shifts. Snowplow drivers' initial efforts Saturday were to clear major roads throughout the day. Crews continued this focus throughout the night because of lowered temperatures and possible additional snowfall.
By Saturday evening, VDOT said, Interstate 81 in Botetourt and Roanoke counties was in moderate condition, while in Montgomery and Pulaski counties it was in a minor hazardous condition because of isolated slick spots.
Primary and secondary roads in these areas were still in moderate condition.
Officials in Roanoke said the continuing snowfall and vehicles on the road are hampering the efforts of city crews to plow the main streets.
VDOT said that crews will continue to work through the duration of the storm, focusing first on heavily traveled interstates and primary roads.
"Stay home," Smith said.
"If you don't have to be out, don't be out. These roads are very slick and treacherous."
