ISLE OF WIGHT

The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office reports that as of mid-day Saturday the county had received close to six inches of snowfall. According to Lt. Tommy Potter, public information officer with the Sheriff’s Office, the estimate remains unofficial, and that primary roads in the county remain in good shape.

“Our hats are off to VDOT on the outstanding job they are doing in maintaining these roadways,” Potter said.

He added that secondary roads within the county are treacherous and should be avoided, and, while the primary roads are passable, travel is still discouraged.

As of mid-day there had been minimal weather-related incidents reported. Snow continues to fall, and as temperatures drop into the evening, the Sheriff’s Office is expecting icy conditions on roads throughout the county.

The Sheriff’s Office intends to schedule extra patrols throughout the weekend.

The Virginia State Police report that, between the hours of 12 a.m. Saturday through noon, they had responded to a total of 253 calls for service, and investigated 84 traffic crashes throughout Division V, which includes Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, Williamsburg, the Tidewater area, Franklin and Emporia. Of those, four included injuries, and over 103 motorists throughout the division have received assistance with disabled vehicles.

As of noon, troopers were working 26 open incidents across the division. The Virginia State Police asks motorists to be mindful of troopers and VDOT workers on the roadway, and to slow down and move over.

VDOT spokesperson Tiffany Whitfield reports that crews with the department of transportation are working 12-hour shifts to clear interstates, bridges, overpasses, ramps, primary and secondary roads, and motorists are urged to stay off the roads.

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends, provided there are no new accumulations.

Whitfield reminds motorists that bridges will freeze before roadways, and that if they must travel, to always brush snow and ice from vehicles’ windows and lights, hood and roof so the snow buildup doesn’t break loose and become a road hazard to other drivers.

The National Weather Service – Wakefield station’s winter storm warning will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday.

To report a road hazard or to ask a road-related question, reach out to VDOT’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623.)