By Matt de Simone
A powerful winter storm that moved through the region over the weekend left snow, ice, and dangerously slick conditions in its wake, prompting emergency crews to respond to a surge of calls while urging residents to stay home as hazardous conditions persist.
The winter system— part of the broader Winter Storm “Fern” that impacted much of the eastern United States— brought several inches of snow and a significant wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain to Botetourt County and surrounding areas late Saturday into Sunday, leaving roads treacherous and travel discouraged by officials statewide.
According to Botetourt Fire & EMS reports Monday morning, crews answered a total of 17 emergency calls since 7 p.m. Saturday. Of those, two were structure fires determined to be flue fires, underscoring a heightened risk as residents rely on heating systems in prolonged cold. Fire Chief Jason Ferguson urged residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to help prevent further emergencies.
Despite the severity of precipitation and cold, Botetourt Fire & EMS noted zero motor vehicle crashes during that timeframe— a testament, Chief Ferguson said, to residents heeding advisories to stay off the roads.
Officials across Virginia, including the Virginia Department of Transportation, echoed similar warnings. Plows and crews worked around the clock treating and clearing primary and secondary roadways, but conditions remained hazardous. Travel was strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary, with sustained snow and ice creating slick surfaces and refreeze potential as temperatures remained below freezing.
State winter weather warnings remained in effect through Monday, with the National Weather Service reporting mixed precipitation, blowing snow, and dangerous travel conditions for much of Southwest and Central Virginia, including Botetourt County.
Even as precipitation tapered, lingering snow and refreeze after daytime melt have kept many roads coated with ice and packed snow. VDOT officials continue to emphasize the importance of staying off untreated roads, allowing crews to complete clearing operations and ensuring emergency vehicles can reach those in need.
Fire department officials reinforce this message, citing the zero crash count as an indicator that travel advisories were taken seriously.
Cold weather and post-storm cleanup are expected to continue through much of the week. The county Emergency Operations Center remains open and ready to address additional community needs as they arise.
