RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As temperatures continue to drop across Virginia, safety officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads. Following a day of snow and slush, the overnight freeze is expected to create dangerous sheets of black ice, significantly complicating travel. Virginia State Police (VSP) reported a busy day responding to the storm’s impact. By this morning alone, officers had responded to nearly 250 accidents statewide, highlighting the hazardous conditions. While snow has begun to melt in some areas, the slush and standing water left behind are expected to freeze solid as temperatures plummet overnight. “Overnight, with plunging temperatures, a lot of that snow and ice and slush and even rainwater is likely to freeze solid,” said Morgan Dean, a representative from AAA. “It will become very dangerous — black ice and ice out there. What might look like a wet road at 4 p.m. could be a sheet of ice by 6 or 7 p.m.” Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are focusing on clearing major highways and interstates, but secondary roads and residential streets remain snow-covered and slippery. Officials say conditions are unlikely to improve until tomorrow. For those who must drive, safety experts advise sticking to cleared roads or using the tire treads left by other vehicles. “Try to drive in the areas that have been cleared,” Dean said. “If the area hasn't been cleared, try driving in the tire treads of other cars. It’s been compressed and is closer to the pavement.” Preparation is also key to staying safe. Drivers should check their brakes, tires and headlights before heading out and ensure their vehicle is winter-ready. “Gentle driving is key,” Dean explained. “Easy on the brakes, be very gentle with turns, and bring your speed down.” Additionally, experts recommend packing an emergency travel kit with essentials like jumper cables, blankets and a first aid kit. Special care is needed on bridges, overpasses, and interstates, which freeze faster than other surfaces. Looking ahead to tomorrow, the morning commute could prove especially treacherous. “Tomorrow morning’s commute could be really, really troublesome,” Dean warned. “Especially for people getting out of neighborhoods that haven’t been plowed.” Until conditions improve, safety officials strongly advise avoiding unnecessary travel. Stay tuned to 8News for the latest updates on the storm and road conditions.