VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK—Snow has begun to fall in Hampton Roads, with the heaviest snow and blizzard conditions set to impact the Eastern Shore. Motorists across the region must stay off the roads to avoid hazardous driving conditions. During this severe winter weather, the safest place to be is inside.

Travel will be dangerous with snowfall, high winds and freezing temperatures through Saturday morning across the region, resulting in reduced visibility, icy conditions and an increased potential for downed trees and power lines. The combination of high winds and snow may also cause snow to drift back onto plowed roads resulting in slick road conditions. Drivers must delay travel during and immediately following the storm for their safety, as well as to allow crews to treat and clear the roadways as safely and efficiently as possible. 

With sub-freezing temperatures forecasted through the weekend, refreeze on the roadways is highly possible, rendering roads unsafe for travel. Treat wet spots on the road as if they are ice, especially on bridges, ramps, overpasses and elevated surfaces that are prone to freeze first. 

With more than 300 trucks equipped with plows and spreaders at the ready, all area crews are actively engaged in monitoring and treating the interstates and state-maintained roadways across the region.

Crews will begin plowing and clearing state-maintained roads where accumulation exceeds approximately 2 inches. With the possibility of high winds in addition to snow accumulation, crews are also standing by to assist with downed trees, branches and debris that may fall across the roads. Avoid areas with downed power lines and trees. Report any debris or unpassable roads to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

Motorists should continue to monitor changing weather and road conditions throughout the duration of the inclement weather.

If travel is unavoidable:

• Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
• Give crews time and space to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather 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 crowd or pass snow plows
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.

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.