Hundreds of Accidents Reported During Virginia Winter Storm: ‘Go Extremely Slow’

RICHMOND, Va. – VDOT has a crucial safety reminder as snow and ice cover in Central Virginia.

“The best place to be during a winter storm is indoors,” said VDOT spokesperson Kyle Gibson.

Slippery roads led to nearly 100 crashes in the Richmond area as of Sunday evening, and Virginia State Police responded to more than 350 crashes statewide as of 9 p.m.

One accident involved a Henrico fire engine. Officials say firefighters responded to an emergency on Woodman Road when the truck spun off the road and went upside down.

Four firefighters escaped on their own and were taken to a hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

Gibson added that staying off the road helps emergency services respond to incidents like this.

“With fewer people on the road, emergency responders can clear the roads faster,” Gibson said.

Meanwhile, shoppers and workers at Willow Lawn were also on high alert for road conditions.

Matt Lame and Morgan Blomstrom stopped at Kroger for groceries in case the snow held them indoors for a few days. They said they were taking it easy on the way to the store.

“Some corners and corners where it’s muddy, you slide a little bit,” said Lame.

Daris Carter had to apply to work at Sally Beauty in the same mall.

“I noticed I only skid once, and it was because of the traffic lights,” Carter said.

Carter encourages other drivers to be careful.

“Watch out for the other,” she said. That’s what I found myself doing. And went very slowly. ‘

And Blomstrom is following the call from VDOT to stay at home if possible.

‘Really only go outside when you need to when it gets much colder and freezing,’ said Blomstrom.

The VDOT crews will continue to cover the roads all night. Their first priority is clearing highways and main roads before they get close.