Hundreds of crashes reported during Virginia winter storm: 'Go extremely slow'

RICHMOND, Va. -- VDOT has a crucial safety reminder as snow and ice cover Central Virginia.

"The best place to be during a winter storm is indoors," said VDOT spokesperson Kyle Gibson.

Slick roads led to nearly 100 crashes in the Richmond region as of Sunday night, and Virginia State Police responded to more than 350 crashes statewide as of 9 p.m.

One accident involved a Henrico Fire Engine. Officials say firefighters were responding to an emergency on Woodman Road when the truck spun off the road and flipped upside down.

Four firefighters escaped on their own and were taken to a hospital. Their injuries are non-life threatening.

Gibson added that staying off the roads will help emergency crews respond to these types of incidents.

"When less people are on the roads, first responders are able to clear the roads faster," Gibson said.

Meanwhile, shoppers and workers at Willow Lawn were also on high alert about the road conditions.

Matt Lame stopped into Kroger for groceries in case the snow traps him inside for a few days. He said he took it slow on the way to the store.

"Around some of the turns and curves where it’s slushy, you slide a little bit," said Lame.

Daris Carter had to report to work at Sally Beauty in the same shopping center.

"I noticed I only slid once, and that was because of the stoplights," Carter said.

Carter is encouraging other drivers to be careful.

"Watch out for the other person," she said. "That’s what I found myself doing. And go extremely slow."

VDOT crews will continue treating roads throughout the night. Their first priority is clearing interstates and primary roads before getting to neighborhood streets.