Mobilization Report:  Wednesday February 10, 2010 

NOVA Snow Operation

Crews continue to work to push back snow in the region. More than 2,000 trucks and specialized equipment will continue to plow and treat interstates and other major routes throughout the day, as well as snow-buried subdivision and side streets that remain impassable from the last storm. VDOT crews and trucks from Hampton Roads, Richmond, Salem, Lynchburg and Culpeper have arrived in northern Virginia to assist in snow removal for this storm.

Commuters are advised that the I-95/395 high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes will close at 11AM today and re-open either Thursday or Friday morning depending on road conditions.

As crews work, drivers are reminded to give plows plenty of room to navigate roads, plow snow and put down chemicals. Drivers should also be aware of narrowed lanes where plows are pushing snow.

VDOT offers the following tips for driving in winter weather:

·        Allow extra time to travel to your destination.

·        Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots.

·        Reduce speed and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.

·        Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. .

·        Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement.

For the latest road conditions, weather, incident information and traffic camera video, drivers can visit www.511Virginia.org . Residents who need to report dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets should send the address, subdivision and county to [email protected] . They can also call 703-383-VDOT (8368), or 1-800-367-ROAD (7623).

WEATHER FORECAST:

NWS Feb 10, 2010

Winter Storm Warning /Hazardous Weather: BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING .

Snow with accumulations of  6 to 12 inches will continue through this evening. Heaviest snow is expected this morning. Temperatures in the mid and upper 20s. Winds will become northwest and increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 45 mph. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibilities to between one quarter of a mile or less at times...producing blizzard conditions

Meridian Summary: 02-10-10

An upper-level disturbance will continue to bring snow to most of the area this morning. Some pockets of freezing rain may continue through around sunrise in the east before colder air filters into the area and changes all precipitation to snow. Snow should begin to taper off around midday today and end in the afternoon. Storm total accumulations can be revised downward somewhat, especially in areas that are seeing significant icing as this will lower accumulations. Nonetheless storm totals of 6 to 10 inches are still forecast across the region with some areas around the D.C./Alexandria metro area having a chance of receiving about 8-12 inches of snow. Strong northwest winds will develop over the region this morning, reducing visibilities as winds could gust over 40 mph. Winds coupled with any significant snows this morning will likely cause near white-out conditions. Brisk, gusty winds will continue tonight into Thursday before subsiding. Expect dry conditions for the remainder of the forecast period after sunset today.

Sincerely,