traveling to Hagerstown in January (live, most dangerous, distances)

[SouthernBelle3]

I would like information on the weather around Hagerstown and in northern Virginia in January. I am from Florida and I know nothing about driving in the snow. Does it usually snow on a regular basis in January?
My daughter is 19 and has never seen snow so I wouln't mind it snowing, but quite frankly, I'm scared to death to drive in the snow or ice since I've only driven in Florida during the winter.

[paula10468]

oh my goodness. There is no definitive answer on that one!! It may snow alot, or it may not snow at all. DOnt worry about the snow, seriously, they get the roads plowed and treated pretty quickly comsidering all the back roads that need to be done up here!

[SouthernBelle3]

Thanks Paula. I guess I'll just pay attention to the weather reports before I leave.

[tarp]

The most dangerous time to drive in the snow is when the snowfall has just started, the roads have not been salted, and the snow is sticking to the roads. This can be EXTREMELY dangerous and if you have no experience driving in it, you are advised to drive at half the speed limit, leave 5 times extra distance for stopping, and you probably should pull over and wait for the snowplows to come out and salt the roads.

Once the roads are salted, you are usually okay. Just remember that there can still be icy spots on the road, and you can easily lose traction, so go slowly.

The road conditions will probably be worse further up in the mountains towards Hagerstown, as it gets colder and snowier up there.

[lizziep]

You never know what the weather is going to be like here. You would have to watch the forecast to know. I have lived here for 8 years and every year is different. I have seen it snow lots and i have seen it be nice, so it is a toss up! Hope that helps!

ABOUT......People driving in the snow, forget it. They are terrible, everyone panics, and i would avoid going distances with a few inches of snow on the ground!