UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: VDOT says the snowfall throughout the night is creating dangerous driving conditions throughout Hampton Roads. Motorists are advised to travel only if necessary and to use extreme caution when driving.Crews are plowing snow as well as applying sand and salt to roadways overnight to give drivers traction and to melt snow and ice. Crews will continue these activities as long as conditions exist.
Hampton Roads currently has over 350 pieces of equipment to treat and plow snow. VDOT resources have been increased in the Southside as heavier precipitation is expected in that area.
VDOT crews throughout the state have also provided over 60 pieces of equipment for snow and ice removal needs in the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
During this weather event, VDOT's priorities in the Hampton Roads area will be to treat the interstates, then move efforts to high volume primary and secondary roads while also supporting the cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.Snow and ice removal operations will be augmented as the weather changes.
UPDATE 10 a.m.: VDOT tells WVEC.com that crews are continuing with pre-treating the roads and will be monitoring conditions until the snow starts.
'Trucks and personnel should be deploying at around noon today,' said spokeswoman Jennifer Gwaltney.
NORFOLK-Officials advise you to stay off the road when the snow and ice hit the ABC13 viewing area, but sometimes you can't avoid it.
The Virginia Dept. of Transportation and North Carolina Dept. of Transportation are pre-treating interstates and primary routes with anti-icing chemicals and salt brine.
The chemicals work to prevent a bond from forming between the road's surface and the frozen precipitation before a storm. In addition, equipment and personnel will be ready to deploy at noon on Tuesday to treat the roads and remove snow as necessary.
Salt brine is a mix of salt and water that helps prevent ice from forming and sticking to road surfaces.
Crews in both states will focus snow removal efforts first on interstates and primary roads, then shift resources to secondary roads as conditions improve.
SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER:
Clear windows and mirrors
Reduce speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles
Approach bridges and overpasses with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on a bridge unless necessary
If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car
Come to a complete stop or yield the right of way when approaching an intersection in case any vehicles coming from other directions lose control of their vehicles while trying to stop
If you have a cellular phone, take it with you in case of an emergency
