PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — If you’re planning to hit the roads during the afternoon or evening Wednesday, do yourself a favor: don’t.
Road experts and government officials, including Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, have advised everyone who has the ability to stay home to do so. The heaviest snowfall could bring as much as 6-12 inches to southeast Virginia.
Youngkin’s message in his news conference left little wiggle room for those wanting to travel tomorrow.
“If you’re not where you want to be by midnight tonight, don’t go,” Youngkin said.
Virginia State Police expects to receive a larger amount of calls to dispatch. Non-emergency calls can be made to 757-441-5610.
For updates on the road conditions, check on VDOT 511 or stay up to date as 10 On Your Side brings you updates from throughout the region.
Get medication today, get the necessities and follow up on doctor’s appointments in case of cancelations.
The Hampton Roads Transit will be suspending services early on Wednesday due to the storm — so don’t bank on them if you want a last minute rotisserie chicken. Service on Wednesday will end no later than 4 p.m. HRT will not operate on Thursday, Feb. 20 due to expected treacherous road conditions.
For those unable to stay home, AAA has provided tips to remain safe on the roadways.
“If you are having to get out there on the roads, just making sure that you are taking your speed into accountability,” a AAA spokesperson said. “Especially if the roads have not been plowed yet. If there is precipitation, and it’s sticking there to the ground, decreasing your speed as well as increasing your following distance.”
If you’ll be on the road, put food in your car as well as a shovel, flash light, salt and an ice scraper.
VDOT is currently in the process of treating the roads in preparation, but again — stay off them if at all possible. As VDOT crews work to prep the roads, drivers are encouraged to give them space. VDOT snow operations could last for multiple days.
Virginia State Police provided more suggestions for those who absolutely need to hit the roads.
- Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
- Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
- Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
- Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
- Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.