RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is asking for drivers to stay off the road while it’s snowing. As the temperature continues to drop, and snow starts to cover the road it can become hazardous very quickly. VDOT is advising drivers to not drive once the snow starts to fall, to help them safely and effectively clear the snow off the roads. This afternoon in the southwest region on the state snow started to fall and will affect drivers commute on their way home from work. The storm will continue into Saturday morning. According to VDOT, there will be crews will work 12-hour shifts to remove the snow from state-maintained roads and will continue to treat the roads until they in drivable conditions. The temperatures expect to remain below freezing throughout the next several days. The VDOT crews will patrol the roads to retreat and roads that have the potential to refreeze from snow and ice melting throughout the day. Be mindful that ramps, bridges and overpasses are the most likely to develop slick spots on elevated surfaces. Neighboring states like North Carolina will be affected as well, and VDOT ask drivers that are planning on traveling to monitor conditions but avoid traveling if possible. Western, Central and Northern Virginia still have secondary roads that are snow-packed and icy, from the previous storm. VDOT has been working on making the roads safe for travel but with extreme caution, and drivers should expect the roads to not have bare pavement. The most prioritized state-maintained roads are the ones that have the most traffic and will require snow removal, and VDOT will prioritize interstates and primary roads such as -- Routes 1 to 599, then crews will then focus on the secondary roads such as routes 600 and higher. that are crucial to emergency and public facilities and any other high volume traffic. Expect low-volume secondary roads and subdivisions, will be treated after the higher-priority routes are taken care of, there will also be additional resource available. Drivers should use extreme caution if travel is necessary. Information is also available by calling 511 while in Virginia or at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.