Spotsylvania County Public Schools announced a two-hour early release Monday as light snow continued across portions of the region, prompting a full mobilization of Virginia Department of Transportation crews.
The National Weather Service reported that while snow has been breaking apart north of Fredericksburg, it continues to hold together in a band stretching from Harrisonburg to the Fredericksburg area. Higher elevations and the southwestern corner of Spotsylvania County have seen the most persistent snowfall, though warm pavement temperatures kept major routes mostly wet rather than snow-covered.
VDOT spokesperson Kelly Hannan said the agency staged crews early Monday in preparation for what forecasters called a potential “winter commuting hazard.”
“We did get a lot of snow in terms of just visually coming down this morning, but it wasn’t sticking,” Hannan said. “Pavement temperatures were warm enough that we really just ended up with wet roads, and a lot of that snow fell on grassy surfaces.”
Hannan said roads across Stafford County and northern Spotsylvania were largely clear by midday, while crews continued to monitor southwestern Spotsylvania and areas near Hanover and Orange counties for additional accumulation.
Farther south, Caroline County saw slushy conditions, and VDOT deployed treatment materials to keep roadways passable.
“There’s a small chance we could have a burst of snow here in the Fredericksburg area,” Hannan said. “We are remaining engaged and ready just in case. Down in Caroline County, we’re remaining mobilized depending on any additional accumulations.”
Hannan advised drivers to check 511Virginia before traveling, especially those who regularly pass through multiple weather zones on their commute. Snow was heavier south of the Fredericksburg District, affecting the Richmond area, the Middle Peninsula, and points east toward Gloucester, Mathews, and Hampton Roads.
“Conditions right outside your door could be very different once you get down the road even 20 or 30 minutes,” Hannan said.
Temperatures are expected to drop overnight, raising the risk of refreezing on wet roads. VDOT officials will determine evening and overnight staffing based on developing conditions to ensure safe travel for Tuesday’s morning commute.
While forecasters expect a brief midweek warm-up, Hannan said crews are already watching the potential for additional winter weather systems approaching later this week.
