VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK—While the anticipated inclement weather in Hampton Roads is expected to be mostly a rain event, a significant amount of precipitation along with high winds is expected. Portions of the region could see snow, falling pavement temperatures, high winds and flooding that may impact travel.

Crews will continue to monitor road surfaces and precipitation throughout the night and are on standby to assist with downed trees, limbs, and debris for the duration of the

event.

VDOT urges motorists to use caution and restrict nonessential travel as crews respond to the effects of the storm. When possible, motorists should plan their travel around the inclement weather, helping to keep drivers safe and allowing VDOT crews to do their jobs.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded to avoid areas with downed power lines, trees and standing water. Do not drive over a flooded road.

Depending on marine storm conditions, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may potentially experience reductions in capacity and service outages. Motorists can call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY for status updates on ferry service. Plan for an alternate route if necessary.

If travel is necessary:

• Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions and closures 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 pass snowplows.
• 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.