Drivers advised to use extreme caution

SUFFOLK - The snow is finally here in Hampton Roads.

"It's beautiful," said one Suffolk resident. "It's one of God's glorious creations."

The white stuff might make a pretty sight, but at the same time it can be just as dangerous. The slick streets are keeping road crews busy.

"I will drive around the area all night until this event stops," said Jimmy Eanes with Suffolk Public Works.

Eanes' crew is out in full force. They're looking for hidden problem areas.

"I like to follow somebody," Eanes added. "You actually you can feel it in the steering wheel and feel the slush if the bridge is icy."

Crews pretreated overpasses and bridges which continue to be the main focus. The temperature is expected to drop. VDOT and Public Works are salting the most traveled streets. Slippery roads have already caused issues.

"The main goal is to keep the roads clear and keep it open for traffic," Eanes said.

Crews say don't go out unless you have to. If you do go out, make sure you're not stepping quickly on your breaks and leave plenty of room for the car in front of you. Crews say they will continue to hit streets until this weather is gone.

Below is the original release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is encouraging motorists to avoid driving if at all possible. Currently, all interstate and primary routes throughout the region are in mild to clear condition, but colder temperatures and additional precipitation into the evening and overnight hours can lead to hazardous driving conditions.

As of 1 p.m., the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry began operating at a reduced service capacity due to high tide levels. Motorists should anticipate delays and use the Route 17 James River Bridge as an alternate route. Crews anticipate resuming full service levels as soon as tides subside after 4 p.m.

The Brambleton Ave on ramp from Route 58 east and the Midtown Tunnel are open to traffic, according to VDOT. The ramp was closed earlier, due to flooding.

According to weather reports, heavy snow continues to fall across northern to western parts of Virginia, creating moderate to severe roadway conditions.

In Hampton Roads, most of the winter storm affects will continue tonight in the Franklin, Emporia, Waverley, James City County areas and the upper Delmarva Peninsula with a mix of light snow and sleet. Motorists are advised to delay travel outside of the region as weather and roadway conditions quickly deteriorate north and west of Hampton Roads.

Crews pretreated areas of Route 58 and Route 460 in Franklin and Waverley and I-64 from the Newport News city line to Richmond before the storm to help prevent ice from adhering to the roadway. It is anticipated that area pavement temperatures will not reach below freezing tonight; however a mixture of snow and sleet will develop in these areas overnight creating the potential for slick conditions.

Crews have been monitoring interstates and major primaries for trouble spots and have applied salt, sand, and abrasives as necessary where icy conditions have developed. VDOT will continue to monitor roadway conditions throughout the completion of the storm.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution on bridges, overpasses and ramps since they tend to freeze before the roadway. Secondary roads may have more snow on the road surface than the primary and interstate routes. Even when roads have been treated, motorists should reduce their speed and leave at least a 5-second driving distance.

Motorists are encouraged to call 511 or the Traffic Information Line at 757-361-3016, listen to Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) 610 AM, or visit www.511va.org for current traffic and travel information.