Danville Public Works Department crews are pretreating the major thoroughfares, bridges, and overpasses today ahead of Tuesday’s expected snow, sleet and freezing rain.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg predicts snow will start between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., switch to sleet and freezing rain by 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and later transition to rain and freezing rain as temperatures rise.
“You are going to see a little bit of everything,” said meteorologist Nick Fillo.
Temperatures in the city will hover around freezing on Tuesday, so there could be frequent changeovers in precipitation. “It might warm a degree for a short period, so it is just warm enough where it is falling as rain, and then it cools off and turns back to freezing rain,” Fillo said.
He also warned that this storm will be a prolonged event, with precipitation turning to mostly freezing rain Tuesday evening and continuing into the overnight hours. Rain is forecast for much of Wednesday.
Danville may see a light dusting of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice, which could cause power outages. Areas just north and west will get more ice, while heavy snow will fall much farther north and west.
“This is a situation where people need to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Fillo said. “If they do need to travel, then they need to allow for extra traveling time so they can proceed more slowly.”
Citizens should monitor the latest forecasts for any changes in track, timing and totals.
Public Works crews use a mixture of water and salt to create a brine solution to pretreat streets. The water evaporates, leaving the salt behind on the road surface. The salt keeps snow and sleet from bonding on the surface, and it helps to prevent ice from forming.
Residential streets are not pretreated.
Danville Utilities crews are prepared to respond as needed. Customers are encouraged to review the Danville Utilities’ storm preparation guide.
If any resident or visitor needs shelter, then they should call the City of Danville non-emergency number, which is 434-799-5111, option 8. Arrangements for shelter will be made.