Virginia State Police are urging residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to hundreds of traffic crashes. Since the start of the storm, troopers have responded to 475 crashes across the Commonwealth as of 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.
Of those crashes, 36 involved injuries and two resulted in fatalities. One fatal crash occurred in Fairfax County on Saturday evening, though police say weather was not a factor. The second fatality happened in Pittsylvania County on Sunday evening, and storm conditions may have played a role. State Police are investigating both incidents.
The highest number of crashes were reported in the Hampton Roads region with 113, followed by Central Virginia with 100. Northern Virginia, which includes Prince William and surrounding counties, saw 56 crashes, including the Fairfax fatality. State Police Division 6, covering western Virginia, reported the other fatal crash.
VDOT crews are working to clear primary roads and are just beginning to reach secondary and subdivision roads. Authorities are asking drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to give plows and emergency responders plenty of space to work. Delays in emergency response are possible due to the storm’s ongoing impact.
Source: Virginia State Police press release
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