The recent winter storm has had varying effects across Hampton Roads, with the Eastern Shore experiencing the most severe impact. While Peninsula, Southside, and western Hampton Roads have largely avoided significant disruptions, the Virginia Eastern Shore is facing heavy snow accumulation, downed trees, and strong winds. According to field reports from early Monday morning, northern Accomack County received up to 10-12 inches of snow, while Northampton County saw about 5 inches.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are working in 12-hour shifts around the clock throughout the district to treat and clear roadways. Supplemental crews were brought into Hampton Roads ahead of the storm to assist with operations on the Eastern Shore.
VDOT describes conditions on primary and secondary roads in the Eastern Shore as severe. There is significant snow accumulation partially covering roadways, making travel hazardous. Motorists are advised to avoid driving while crews continue plowing and treating roads. Downed trees and power lines remain an issue due to ongoing gusty winds, along with drifting snow that reduces visibility.
Roads in other areas—including interstates and major routes on the Southside, western Hampton Roads, and the Peninsula—are reported as clear. Crews are monitoring these areas for slick spots as temperatures stay near freezing.
Motorists are urged to drive cautiously by reducing speed and increasing following distance because residual moisture could freeze on road surfaces.
Before traveling, drivers should check current roadway conditions using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov or call 511 when in Virginia.
VDOT prioritizes state-maintained roads that carry higher traffic volumes for treatment and snow removal. Interstates and limited-access highways receive attention first, followed by primary routes and important secondary roads serving emergency facilities; lower-volume secondary roads are addressed as resources permit.
VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads; individual municipalities handle their own local road maintenance responsibilities.
For questions or reports of hazardous conditions on state-maintained roads, motorists can contact VDOT’s Customer Service Center at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
The Virginia Department of Transportation oversees building, maintaining, and operating Virginia’s extensive system of roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure a safe transportation network for residents. The agency manages one of America’s largest state highway systems with tens of thousands of lane-miles statewide (source). VDOT also provides services such as highway maintenance and traffic management through tools like Virginia 511 (source). The department serves as a key state agency responsible for planning infrastructure projects across Virginia (source), having evolved since its founding in 1906 (source). Its headquarters is located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond (source).
