STAUNTON – Treacherous driving conditions exist in the Shenandoah Valley as a winter storm with heavy snow and sleet blankets the area this morning.   The storm is arriving in the southern counties first and traveling north.  Motorists are advised to drive only if necessary.  Numerous accidents have been reported throughout the morning. 

On Intestate 81 southbound between exit 235 at Weyers Cave and exit 227 at Verona there is an accident at mile marker 229 and another one at mile marker 227.  In both cases the left lane is closed.

Travelers southbound on I-81 should be aware of multiple accidents in Botetourt County at mile marker 172.8, which is about two miles south of Natural Bridge.  The right lane is closed.  Traffic is being detoured at exit 175 onto Route 11 south and back onto I-81 at exit 168.  Expect delays in this area.

Here are the Staunton District road conditions as of 10:30 a.m.

Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions are reported in Alleghany and Augusta counties.

Interstate 66 – Minor conditions are reported in Warren County.

Interstate 81 –Minor conditions are in Rockingham and Shenandoah counties.  Clear conditions are reported in Frederick County.

Primary roads are in moderate condition in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Bath, Augusta and Highland counties.  Minor conditions are reported in Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick and Warren counties.  Clarke and Page counties are reporting clear conditions.

Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Alleghany, Rockbridge, Bath, Augusta, Highland and Rockingham counties.  Minor conditions are in Shenandoah, Frederick and Warren counties.  Clear conditions are in Clarke and Page counties.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.  In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111.  (TTY/TDD users, call 711).  Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits.  For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.