Motorists in Hampton Roads are being advised to prepare for hazardous road conditions as a winter storm is expected to bring 1 to 4 inches of snow and below-freezing temperatures starting Monday morning and continuing into Tuesday. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has stated that its Hampton Roads District personnel are ready with materials and equipment to address potential impacts on the roads.
According to VDOT, crews began pretreating interstates, state-maintained county primary roads, and some major secondary routes—including those in the western region and Historic Triangle—on Sunday, December 7. By Monday morning, the district had initiated 24-hour operations with teams working in 12-hour shifts to monitor, treat, and clear snow from interstates and state-maintained roadways.
VDOT recommends motorists limit non-essential travel during the storm period for their safety and to allow crews space to work effectively. “During winter storm events, the safest place to be is inside and off the roadways. Motorists should limit non-essential travel during the day and overnight Monday until conditions improve,” according to VDOT.
With temperatures not expected to rise above freezing until Tuesday, icy spots—especially on overpasses, bridges, and shaded areas—may affect travel into Tuesday morning’s rush hour. VDOT will continue monitoring road surfaces after snowfall ends, treating icy patches with sand and salt as needed through Tuesday.
The department maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads; local municipalities are responsible for their own primary and secondary routes.
Drivers who must travel are urged by VDOT to check current road conditions at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov before leaving home. Other recommendations include allowing extra time for trips, maintaining a safe following distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles, braking lightly on slick pavement, and keeping an emergency kit with food, water, first aid supplies, tools, and blankets in their vehicle.
For updates or assistance regarding road hazards or questions about roadway conditions during the storm event, residents can call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 800-367-7623 or follow traffic updates on X via @VaDOTHR or @511statewideva.
“Give crews time and space to treat roads,” VDOT advises drivers. “If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.”
