The winter storm that moved into Virginia overnight continues to affect the Commonwealth.
As of 9 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2025, there have been 700 crashes since midnight, including 70 injury crashes across the state. There have been no fatalities reported.
In Virginia State Police’s Division 1, which includes the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and the counties of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Essex, Goochland, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Louisa, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Prince George, Powhatan, Richmond, and Westmoreland, there have been 163 total crashes, 21 of which involved injuries.
Virginia State Police continue to urge drivers to stay off the roads during the storm, allowing the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and other emergency crews space to work.
If you must travel, drivers are reminded to follow these guidelines:
- Use headlights. Increasing visibility helps you avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road and allows other drivers to see you more easily.
- Slow down. Though state police work closely with VDOT to identify problem areas during winter storms, drivers must still adjust to conditions. Slowing down gives you more time to react and avoid crashes. Drive according to your ability to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t tailgate. Increased stopping distance is needed on slick road surfaces. Allow more space between your vehicle and others to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Buckle up. Most winter weather crashes result from vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road, or into other vehicles. Wearing your seatbelt helps prevent injury by keeping you from being thrown inside the vehicle.
- Check your vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the gas tank in advance, and check windshield wipers, fluid, tire tread, battery life, and other essential systems.
- Be prepared. Carry a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snacks, cell phone charger, and flashlight.
For the latest road conditions and updates, call 511 or visit the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information website at www.511virginia.org.
