Snow, ice, rain all in forecast for Monday

We’re looking at a wintry mess moving into our area for Presidents Day.

A winter storm watch is in effect starting tonight into tomorrow.

Here’s what to expect: 

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS
CANCELLED THE WIND CHILL ADVISORY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE...SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN LATE TONIGHT
  INTO TUESDAY MORNING.

* ACCUMULATION...1 TO 3 INCHES OF SNOW AND SLEET. POTENTIAL FOR
  UP TO A QUARTER INCH OF ICE FROM FREEZING RAIN.

* TIMING...SNOW WILL BEGIN LATE TONIGHT. SNOW WILL CONTINUE
  THROUGH MONDAY BEFORE CHANGING TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN MONDAY
  NIGHT. PRECIPITATION WILL END TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

* WINDS...SOUTHEAST AROUND 5 TO 10 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE TEENS TONIGHT...RISING INTO THE UPPER 20S
  TO LOWER 30S MONDAY INTO TUESDAY.

* IMPACTS...SNOW AND ICE WILL CAUSE SLIPPERY ROADS AND TRAVEL
  WILL BE DIFFICULT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Prince William and Stafford counties, and Manassas and Manassas Park all sit under the winter storm watch. In Fauquier County and points west, A winter storm warning is issued. 

Today, officials at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Fredericksburg District told us what they are doing to prepare for the storm. 

What VDOT is Doing to Prepare

VDOT crews in the Fredericksburg District mobilized early Sunday morning to load and stage more than 350 pieces of equipment with sand, salt and treatment chemicals. Crews will continue working 24 hours a day, in rotating 12-hour shifts, to plow roads and apply materials to melt ice and improve traction for motorists.

Today, VDOT is treating Interstate 95 and major travel routes with an anti-icing salt brine solution. Anti-icing helps to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement during inclement weather, which can reduce the risk of hazardous travel conditions.

Trucks applying salt brine to the interstate travel together at approximately 35 mph. One truck travels in each of I-95’s three general purpose lanes, forming a straight line across the interstate. Slower travel speeds are required to spray the salt brine onto the interstate with precision, and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.

What Motorists Should Know

• Once the storm begins, consider limiting travel or plan to use extreme caution.

• Always wear your seat belt.

• Allow extra travel time.

• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.

• Use extra caution on roads carrying less traffic, such as subdivision streets.

• Stay alert for slick spots on bridges, ramps and overpasses, which are more likely to freeze first due to lower pavement temperatures.

• VDOT crews will focus first on treating and clearing roads carrying the most traffic, such as interstates, primary roads, and key secondary roads.