Secondary roads covered, VSP urges residents to stay off roads

VDOT crews are working to clear Route 13 and major secondary roads, but most back roads across the Eastern Shore remain snow and ice covered this morning. With cloudy conditions persisting, it may take considerable time before crews can reach less-traveled routes. Some improvement is expected Friday when sunny skies should help melt snow on roadways.

Virginia State Police report responding to 743 incidents and 197 crashes since midnight Wednesday, with 10 injuries. Most incidents involved vehicles spinning out of control due to excessive speed for conditions. As of this morning, troopers continue to urge motorists to avoid all non-essential travel.

State Police advise that if travel is absolutely necessary, drivers should drive slowly and maintain extra distance between vehicles, use headlights for better visibility, and pump brakes lightly when stopping. All motorists should wear seatbelts and give ample room to emergency vehicles and snow plows. Drivers are reminded to move over for police, fire, rescue, VDOT, and tow truck operators working on the roadways.

State Police also remind residents that sledding on interstate ramps is both prohibited and dangerous, and pedestrians are not allowed on interstate highways or ramps. Officials emphasize that staying off the roads entirely remains the safest option during these hazardous conditions.