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SUFFOLK— Motorists traveling into and around Hampton Roads should stay alert for potentially hazardous road conditions Friday and Saturday, as forecasted winter weather brings sub-freezing temperatures and high winds.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) urges motorists to be vigilant during this time, including adjusting travel ahead of the storm and as conditions change.
Travelers with destinations beyond Hampton Roads should continue to monitor conditions along their entire route, as forecasts may vary in different parts of the state, particularly along the I-81 corridor, as well as the Salem, Staunton, Culpeper and Northern Virginia regions.
In Hampton Roads, sub-freezing temperatures are expected on Friday and Saturday, especially after sundown, making standing water on travel lanes from recent rainfall susceptible to freezing. Bridges and overpasses typically freeze first. Forecasted high winds could also create hazardous driving conditions, especially for taller vehicles. Winds can be particularly impactful on wide-open highway segments as well as bridges.
VDOT Hampton Roads crews are on standby to monitor and treat icy conditions with salt and sand. Equipment is ready should crews encounter downed power lines or trees from high winds.
Depending on marine storm conditions, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may 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.
The I-64 reversible roadway in Norfolk will be closed in both directions starting as early as 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, and will remain closed until forecasted high winds subside.
With extreme low temperatures expected to move in Friday, motorists expecting to travel should pack an emergency kit and blankets, and have mobile devices fully charged in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
PLAN AHEAD WITH 511: REAL-TIME TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS
VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone.
STAY SAFE
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When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should be vigilant, plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions, prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.
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For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, motorists can contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
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For more about winter weather travel and VDOT’s preparation and response, visit VDOT’s winter weather page.
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