SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia safety officials are urging residents and motorists to exercise caution and stay home ahead of the approaching storm Sunday.

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Whilst the expected bad weather in Hampton Roads is forecast to be mainly a rain event, a significant amount of precipitation is expected along with strong winds.

Parts of the region could see snow, falling road surface temperatures, high winds and flooding that could affect travel.

WAVY-TV 10 Meteorologist Ricky Matthews Hampton Roads will experience periods of rain throughout the day, some locally heavy, with some of the heaviest rains in the late afternoon and evening.


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The Virginia National Guard currently has 75 operational personnel at multiple locations throughout the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management also called for debris reduction and high mobility transportation options.

VDOT officials say crews will monitor road surfaces and rainfall throughout the night and will be on standby for the duration of the event to help with fallen trees, branches and debris.

The VDOT urges motorists to exercise caution and limit unnecessary travel while crews respond to the effects of the storm.

Motorists and pedestrians are reminded to avoid areas with fallen power lines, trees and standing water.

The Virginia State Police said they responded to over 370 accidents and 280 disabled vehicles on Sunday alone. An estimated 8% of these were in the Chesapeake Division.

Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may experience capacity reductions and service disruptions depending on storm conditions at sea. Strong winds have already forced it Ferry service between Currituck and Knotts Island and Bayview Aurora Ferry Route close for the day.

If travel is necessary:

  • visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions and closures before you travel. If possible, avoid traveling until the rain stops and road conditions improve.
  • Give crews time and space to cover roads.
  • If you have to travel in adverse weather conditions:
  • Allow enough time to reach your goal.
  • Maintain a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle in front.
  • Brake very lightly to keep your tires from skidding on the road.
  • Do not drive past snow plows.
  • Hold on Emergency Winter Weather Kit in your vehicle, including food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or standstill.

Resources:

  • 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) — Report road hazards or ask road-related questions to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this nationwide toll-free number.
  • WAZE – VDOT recently entered into a partnership Waze Add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report in real-time during winter weather when a road has not been plowed. It also notifies travelers when approaching a road identified by other drivers as unploughed.

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