Black Ice, Freezing Roadways Possible for Friday Commute, VDOT Officials Warn

Black ice on roadways, bridges and hills is very likely for Friday as a weather system bringing snow, wind and rain moves through the area, Virginia Department of Transportation officials said Thursday afternoon. 

As snow began to fall in the Manassas and Centreville areas just before the afternoon rush hour, VDOT officials said some 1,250 trucks would be working to prepare roads in Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and Arlington counties for  snow and ice. 

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the entire Washington-Baltimore region, from 2 a.m. to noon Friday.

Expect sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts in some areas up to 50 mph, meteorologist said. 

The high winds can down tree limbs and power lines, adding to already difficult driving conditions.  

“The major concern is overnight icing on bridge decks and roadways,” Branco Vlacich, VDOT’s district maintenance engineer for northern Virginia said on Thursday.  

“Be aware of black ice (Friday) morning—pavement temperatures will drop quickly (Thursday) tonight and remain well below freezing Friday.”

VDOT crews will put down salt to mix with rain and help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement.

High temperatures for Friday are expected to hover around 26 degrees with a 10 percent chance of precipitation.