VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK— As wind and rain from Hurricane Ian continue to impact the region, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reminds motorists to take precautions to stay safe as they travel through the region. 

Stay away from flood prone areas, and move to higher ground if necessary. More deaths occur due to flooding than any other rainstorm related hazard. 

According to the CDC, the primary causes of flood related deaths occur to individuals driving into flood waters, and walking in or near flood waters. 

• 6 inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet, 
• 12 inches can move most cars, and 
• 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans, and trucks. 

Additional hazards in flood waters include debris, downed power lines, animals and insects, chemicals, and even raw sewage. Never underestimate the dangers of flood waters. 

Based on current forecasts, VDOT staff is preparing for potential risks stemming from heavy rainfall and high winds. Crews stand ready to respond to any unsafe traveling conditions and damage resulting from the storm. 

Motorists and pedestrians should limit travel based on weather and road conditions. 

Additionally, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is experiencing reductions in capacity and service outages due to high tides and wind. Service is currently being maintained by the largest boat, the Powhatan, for the next several hours, and this may occur again overnight. Motorists can call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY for status updates on ferry service.

Additional details regarding Hampton Roads state-maintained roadways are as follows: 

• There are no plans to close any of Hampton Roads major bridge or tunnel crossings, including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Complete bridge information can be found here. Speed limits may be reduced based on current wind conditions at each facility for motorist safety.
• VDOT closes bridges, ramps or roads only when there is imminent danger to public safety, such as high water, structural damage or downed trees and debris blocking the roadway. If a closure is in place, motorists should not attempt to drive on the closed roadway or structure. 

Citizens are encouraged to utilize the following tools provided by VDOT: 

• Residents should report any problems such as flooding, downed trees, or road hazards to VDOT’s 24- hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov.
• Statewide and local traffic conditions are available by calling 511 (dial or say nine to go straight to Hampton Roads info), visiting www.511virginia.org or downloading the free 511 Virginia mobile app. 511 Virginia provides real-time road conditions and interstate cameras.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.