VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has made statewide preparations to address the potential impacts of Hurricane Ian.

At this time, forecasts indicate that severe weather will impact the Commonwealth from Friday, Sept. 30 through Monday night, Oct. 3, with southern and coastal regions experiencing the worst conditions. Those forecasts and conditions may change, and travelers need to pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from local officials and to limit travel based on conditions.

The storm is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to most of the Commonwealth. Such severe weather could result in downed trees, powerlines and other debris, as well as flooding that will make roadways extremely hazardous or impassable.

“VDOT’s top priority is the safety of the traveling public and the safety of our crews who will be battling the effects of Hurricane Ian,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Cathy McGhee, P.E. “Our crews across the Commonwealth have worked diligently to prepare our roadways and our people for whatever this storm may bring. VDOT, along with our partners in VDEM and Virginia State Police are working to ensure our efforts are coordinated and that those impacted receive a quick and effective response.” 

In preparation for the storm’s arrival, VDOT crews have been inspecting and cleaning drainage structures in some areas. Drivers can expect periodic, mobile lane closures for these cleaning operations. Crews have also been inspecting other low-lying and vulnerable drainage structures across state-maintained roads and clearing obstructions when necessary.

Additionally, certain VDOT districts are monitoring wind speeds on critical area bridges, structures and roadways and will notify the public if there are any associated warnings or traffic impacts. VDOT’s traffic signal crews are on standby to address downed or inoperable signals caused by high winds and emergency tree crews are on standby in case high winds lead to downed trees. 

Travelers should take extreme caution on roadways: 

• Obey all “road closed” signage.
• “Turn around, don’t drown” - Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the CDC, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters.
  • 6 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, as well as road crews that may be attempting to clear 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.

Prior to travel, the public should check road conditions by calling 511, visiting www.511Virginia.org or checking the 511 Virginia mobile app.

The public should report any problems such as flooding, downed trees or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov.

For more information about VDOT, including safety information and travel alerts, visit www.virginiadot.org.

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