Update: Central Rappahannock Regional Library branches in Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania will delay opening until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, due to road conditions. Westmoreland branches will remain closed.
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A winter weather advisory is in effect for the region through Saturday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2017, according to the National Weather Service. There is a chance that rain could still change to freezing rain and sleet in some areas.
Conditions may be more severe north and west of the Fredericksburg area, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reported.
Interstate 95 and roads throughout the Fredericksburg district were reported clear with wet pavement early Saturday. “Crews are applying sand and salt to roads in Stafford County, where sleet began to fall at about 5 a.m., and on the Interstate 95 corridor in the Fredericksburg area.”
“If a resident’s driveway or sidewalk is too icy or slick for walking, road conditions are also likely to be hazardous in their area,” VDOT said.
Freezing rain can result in a glaze of ice that is difficult to see, and it can lead to treacherous driving conditions. Motorists should not drive on icy roads, regardless of the vehicle, VDOT advised.
Road conditions may change quickly today. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to news and weather reports, and to check 511Virginia before starting a trip. Call 511, visit www.511Virginia.org, or use VDOT’s 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.
Detailed Forecast from the National Weather Service
Saturday: A chance of rain and sleet before 10 a.m., then rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.
Saturday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of rain and sleet after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Monday: A slight chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Monday Night: A slight chance of rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
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