WEST VIRGINIA (WHSV) – With several winter storm warnings, watches and advisories this week across West Virginia – including a blizzard warning in Grant and Pendleton counties, the The West Virginia Department of Highways has crews ready to handle this first major storm of the season.

Operators with WVDOH are tasked with performing Snow Clearing and Ice Control (SRIC) operations 24/7 until all roads are accessible. West Virginia has a state stockpile of 231,000 tons of salt and more than a thousand snow plows distributed among West Virginia’s various districts.

Operators have different levels of priority for dealing with snow removal, according to a release from the West Virginia Department of Transportation. When priority 1 routes are deemed available, operators will move on to address lower priority routes. If more snow makes the major stretches inaccessible, operators would revert to priority 1 routes.

• Priority 1: Interstate, freeway, National Highway System, and all other routes in the United States and West Virginia, as well as some high-traffic county routes
• Priority 2: All other school bus routes not considered priority 1
• Priority 3: Any remaining routes, excluding park and forest roads
• Priority 4: Park and forest roads

For those who must drive in the snowy weather this weekend or in the coming months, WVDOT shared the following tips:

• Reduce speed: Always drive slower than usual in snow, ice or slippery conditions.
• Avoid sudden movements: Smooth, gradual steering, braking and acceleration are essential to prevent skidding.
• Give snow plows room: If you see a WVDOT snowplow or salt truck, stay put.
• Carry a Winter Emergency Kit: Blankets, gloves, extra warm clothes, first aid kit.
• Watch for ice on bridges and overpasses: Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than normal roads.
• Drive with the conditionsnot the posted speed limits.

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