Snow accumulates in IOW, on Peninsula

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Portions of Isle of Wight County and the Peninsula saw snow accumulate during the overnight hours into Friday morning.

Pockets of heavy snow covered Sussex County, Surry County, Williamsburg and Isle of Wight County just before midnight Thursday evening. Some parts of Sussex County even reached upwards of five inches of snow Thursday night.

Less than an inch of snow was set to accumulate on the Southside and the majority of the Peninsula was forecasted to see approximately an inch between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Friday, perhaps even earlier.

The snow is not expected to stick on the Southside, as ground temperatures are expected to remain between 40 and 50 degrees. There, residents can expect up to an inch of snow that likely won't stick and will quickly turn to slush.

Photos: Jan. 17 Winter storm

As of 11 p.m. Thursday, Virginia State Police reported 10 traffic crashes, 13 disabled vehicles and 63 service calls in Hampton Roads.

"The main concern with the coastal region like Hampton, Norfolk the areas that we have in Hampton Roads is really the ice that forms on roads," VDOT's Lauren Hansen said. "When you see rain in the winter conditions you have to realize that that rain might actually be freezing rain so when it hits the roadway it could form an ice barrier, black ice."

People all around Hampton Roads prepared Thursday evening by buying extra food and snow gear.

According to Tamara Rollison with VDOT, the organization has readied their snowplows and checked salt and sand supplies. 

"Our VDOT trucks are going to be out there starting [Thursday night] through [Friday and into Friday] afternoon, continually replacing the salt and sand mixture they put on the roads that's being washed away by the storm," Hansen said.

Rollison has the following tips for drivers who may face slick roads or snow in the coming days:

• Check road conditions by calling 511 or checking www.511Virginia.org
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary
• Do not use cruise control

The United States Postal Service is asking customers to clear enough snow around their mailboxes to keep USPS workers from slipping or falling while delivering mail. This includes steps and areas around curbside boxes.

About 1 to 3 inches of snow was expected in the Washington area and parts of central Maryland.

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