RICHMOND, VA January 26, 2026 – Governor Abigail Spanberger provided an update on Virginia’s response to the recent winter storm that blanketed the state over the weekend, praising residents for their cooperation and warning of lingering hazards from icy conditions.
In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Spanberger highlighted the significant reduction in travel during the storm, noting that interstate traffic dropped by more than 80%. This compliance allowed the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to plow roads efficiently without obstructions from vehicles, while state police reported fewer crashes and disabled vehicles to handle.
“We saw a reduction of travel on our interstates of more than 80%, and that matters,” Spanberger said in the address. “It meant VDOT was able to get their plows, their contractors, their personnel out on the roads plowing unobstructed by vehicles.”
The governor expressed gratitude to Virginians for heeding pre-storm warnings, which she credited for enabling a faster recovery. She also thanked key state agencies, including the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, VDOT, Virginia State Police, Virginia National Guard, and the Virginia Department of Health, for their round-the-clock efforts in protecting residents and restoring normalcy.
The storm, which prompted Spanberger to declare a state of emergency ahead of its arrival, brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across much of the Commonwealth, leading to dangerous ice accumulations and potential power outages. Officials had described it as “catastrophic,” urging residents to prepare for extended disruptions.
As recovery continues, Spanberger cautioned that falling temperatures could refreeze melted snow, creating black ice on roads, particularly at night. “Please be cognizant of the fact that there will be additional ice, and if you can stay off the roads, particularly at night, please do so,” she advised.
Images from across Virginia show the storm’s impact, with snow-covered paths and roadways highlighting the challenging conditions crews have been working to clear.
The state of emergency remains in effect to support ongoing response efforts, with VDOT continuing to treat and clear roads throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from official sources and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure safety.
For more information, visit the Virginia Governor’s website or follow @GovernorVA on X.
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