February Winter Storm

Heavy snow and high winds hit Virginia after a historic winter storm on Feb. 5-6 brought record snowfall and hazardous conditions to many parts of Virginia.

Check here for updates about the Commonwealth's response, and stay informed about forecasted conditions in your area.
Feb 07
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11:45 a.m. update: Virginia State Police News Release

VIRGINIA STATE POLICE REMIND VIRGINIANS TO PLAY IT SAFE SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

RICHMOND – As road and weather conditions continue to challenge drivers across the Commonwealth, Virginia State Police are advising residents to rethink travel plans in regards to Super Bowl festivities. Though highways may be passable this afternoon, those same roads will turn more treacherous as temperatures drop this evening.

“Drivers need to weigh the risks when deciding if attending a Super Bowl party is really worth a crash, getting stuck or being injured,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Our greatest concern is what road conditions will be like following the game as temperatures drop and wet, slushy roadways turn icy.” 

Since the snow storm moved into the Commonwealth early Friday morning (Feb. 5, 2010), Virginia State Police statewide have investigated more than 1,700 traffic crashes and responded to another 1,700 calls for disabled and stuck vehicles. At least 140 of those crashes have involved drivers and/or passengers being injured. 

For those who do choose to drive to and from a Super Bowl party, they are reminded to go prepared for conditions, give plenty of time to reach one’s destination, and to never drink and drive. To check road conditions please call 1-800-367-ROAD or its cellular equivalent 511, or go online to www.va511.org. 

“No matter what road and weather conditions may be like Sunday, the most important decision individuals must make is to not drink and drive,” said Colonel Flaherty. “Driving impaired with slick road conditions is not just dangerous, but deadly for everyone.” 

In 2008, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes nationwide accounted for 32 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. During the 2009 Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3, 2009, to 5:59 am Feb. 4, 2009), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.  

Nationwide in 2008, over 11,000 people died in highway crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal BAC level of .08 or higher. 

If you are hosting a party:

  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
  • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
  • Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
  • Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

If you are attending a party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.