Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are working in 12-hour shifts to prepare the roads for the incoming snowstorm set to hit the Historic Triangle Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a winter storm warning for the area and calling for 4 to 7 inches of snow. To prepare, VDOT has started pretreating the major interstates in Hampton Roads.
All bridges, tunnels, overpasses and ramps are being checked for icy patches and travel advisories remain in effect on the area’s bridges and tunnels.
A VDOT spokesperson said additional staff will be working at the Transportation Operations Center and on the roads to monitor conditions and respond to calls for service.
Historic Triangle citizens saw about an inch of snow Tuesday night. The Virginia State Police said troopers responded to 174 crashes in Hampton Roads between 4 and 9:30 p.m. while the snow was falling.
Wednesday’s snow is predicted to begin with a mix of rain in the evening and become a heavier snowfall overnight, with light snow showers Thursday morning before 7 a.m.
Meteorologists say 3 to 5 inches of snow will fall Wednesday night, with temperatures dropping to 27 degrees. Thursday calls for a possible 1 to 2 inches of snow, with a high near 33 degrees.
Officials are urging citizens to stay off the roads during the storm unless it is absolutely necessary to drive.
To get real-time road information, visit VDOT’s 511 Virginia website. Drivers can also download the free 511 App, call 511, listen to Highway Advisory Radio at 1680 AM or call the traffic information line at 361-3016.
