VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK—The first of two major snow events has already begun in Hampton Roads, bringing rain, snow and plummeting temperatures overnight that will impact travel. As the weather moves in, motorists must avoid or delay travel especially during the Friday afternoon rush hour and continuing through Saturday.

At this time, areas of the region are already experiencing a mix of rain and sleet. Decreasing temperatures overnight can cause slush and ice to build up, making travel hazardous.

A second winter storm is expected to begin Friday mid-day, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds and sub-freezing temperatures through Saturday, adding to the already hazardous conditions.

The safest place during a storm is inside. If travel is unavoidable and absolutely necessary, motorists must plan to complete travel before snowfall begins and remain off the roads until they are passable. This will keep drivers safe and allow Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews to do their jobs.

Bridges and overpasses are known to freeze first, and maintenance crews will monitor conditions to treat those and other identified areas as needed. Crews will work in shifts as part of 24-hour operations to clear and treat roads as necessary for the duration of the event. With the possibility of high winds, crews are also on standby to assist with downed trees, branches and debris that may fall across the roads.

If travel is necessary:

• Monitor the local forecasts and changing road conditions
• Give crews time to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
• Clear any snow or ice from your vehicle before driving.
• Ensure headlights are on in snow or rainy conditions. 
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
• Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
• Do not pass snow plows
• Take extra caution in construction zones. Snow against the barrier service may result in narrower lanes.
• Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions and closures before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.

Resources:

• Free 511 Virginia Tools -- Get the latest traffic conditions before traveling by calling 511, or go to www.511virginia.org. You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app. 

• 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) -- Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.

• Twitter -- Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest traffic updates during a storm.

• WAZE – VDOT recently partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time during winter weather, when a road has not been plowed. It will also inform travelers when they are approaching a road that has been identified by other drivers as unplowed.

For more winter driving information, please visit www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

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.