Wes McIntyre, Gloucester's director of buildings and grounds was hard at work Thursday morning clearing county property. He said his crew all turned out to make sure pathways would be cleared as soon as possible. Photo by Quinton Sheppard

A winter storm has impacted residents of the Middle Peninsula bringing blizzard-like conditions and shutting down businesses and schools Thursday.

The storm has brought upwards of eight-plus inches of snow in some areas and wind gusts 25 miles per hour and higher, causing white-out conditions at times.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews continue plowing and treating state-maintained roads across the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Thursday morning after overnight snowfall, and drivers will find snow-covered, slick road conditions on most primary and secondary roads, according to a VDOT release.

Drivers are asked to stay off the roads and delay travel if possible to allow crews additional time to make progress making roads passable. High winds are contributing to drifting snow and limited visibility, especially in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Prior to the winter weather, Virginia State Police responded to an accident on Guinea Road around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday that resulted in a fatality. 

According to the VSP, its preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Ford F150 was traveling westbound on Guinea Road when the driver struck a bicyclist in the road way. The bicyclist, 47 year old Michael Troy Smith, of Aberdeen Road, Gloucester, died upon impact at the scene, the VSP reported.

The driver of the Ford was uninjured. The VSP reports neither alcohol nor speed played a contributing factor to the accident. There are no charges at this time. The case will be brought before the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for review.

Notification has been made to family members.

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