Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Several inches of snow blanketed Salem on Monday. Ahead of the storm, VDOT crews pretreated major roads and interstates.
Over night between Monday and Tuesday, VDOT mobilized crews to plow and treat roads. By Tuesday morning, VDOT advised motorists that many secondary roads and neighborhoods streets in the Roanoke Valley were still covered in snow and ice. As a result, it suggested that motorists delay travel until later in the day.
Interstates and most primary roads had been cleared by 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
“Temperatures are expected to plummet heading into the evening hours, so drivers can expect refreezing and icy road conditions until there is a warming trend,” VDOT said on Tuesday. “Cold spots, mountainous areas, shaded locations, bridges, ramps and overpasses will become icy before other areas.”
Tuesday classes were cancelled for students of Salem City Schools and Roanoke County Public Schools. “Due to the winter storm, snowy conditions; and temperatures that are expected to drop throughout the day, all Salem City Schools are closed on Tuesday, January 16,” the division said. “Enjoy your extra day off and stay safe!”
Roanoke College had a delayed opening on Tuesday, opening at 9:30 a.m.
