VDOT crews will mobilize in emergency response Tuesday morning in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula to respond to potential travel hazards on state-maintained roads from forecasted heavy rain and high winds.
Between 2-3 inches of rain is forecast to fall between Tuesday morning and late Tuesday evening. High winds are also anticipated, with potential wind gusts between 40-45 mph along the I-95 corridor and between 50-55 mph in coastal areas on the eastern end of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
High winds may lead to downed trees, utility lines and other debris, especially in areas where soil is already saturated from recent storms. Travelers may encounter areas of ponding and standing water, with some roads partially or fully blocked by flooding.
Travelers should check 511Virginia for a real-time list of roads closed or partially closed due to flooding or other hazards. Plan to adjust your route and travel plans as necessary. Never drive through flood waters covering a road, or attempt to move a utility line or other hazard blocking a road.
VDOT crews will remain at work 24 hours a day, in rotating 12-hour , until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel. Tree contractors will mobilize Tuesday morning with VDOT crews to assist with tree and debris removal.
Crews have prepared high water advisory signs and road barricades for quick deployment, and have fueled and tested equipment. Crews also checked drainage structures in low-lying areas and areas that experience recurrent flooding to clear any obstructions.
Safety During and After the Storm
Travelers should use extreme caution on roadways:
Obey all “road closed” signage
Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Six inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
12 inches can move most cars
18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks
Be alert to debris, downed trees and power lines
Move over for emergency crews operating in or near roadways
Be alert to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges or taller structures
High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, SUVs or box trucks are especially vulnerable and should not cross a bridge when a High
Wind Advisory is posted
High Winds Protocol for Major Bridges
VDOT monitors wind speed at major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula:
Downing Bridge: Route 360 over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and the Town of Tappahannock
Eltham Bridge: Route 30/Route 33 over the Pamunkey River and connects the Town of West Point and New Kent County
Gwynn’s Island: Route 223 bridge over Milford Haven, which connects mainland Mathews County with Gwynn’s Island
Lord Delaware Bridge, which carries Route 33 over the Mattaponi River and connects the Town of West Point and King and Queen County
Robert O. Norris Bridge: Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties
High Wind Advisory:
If sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes, or there are frequent wind gusts of 45 mph or greater, VDOT will post a high wind advisory notice on these bridges. High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross these bridges when a high winds advisory is posted. Trucks carrying small or empty loads may be especially at risk.
Bridge Closure:
When sustained winds reach 45 mph or above over a period of 15 minutes, VDOT crews will post a bridge closure notice. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded.
High wind advisories and bridge closures will be posted on message boards staged at the bridges.
Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Customer Service Center
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
