News Flash

Monday, February 16, 2015 – Hampton motorists are urged are respect the snow plows while driving tonight and Tuesday as the city copes with 3-6 inches of snow expected to accumulate from the winter storm.

Public Works employees are working around the clock to make sure all of the major roads in the city are cleared as soon as possible. Public works will also work closely with police and firefighters in the event of an emergency on residential roads.

Paul Richardson, superintendent of streets and bridges, said the weight of the snow coming off the plows can dent cars and cause accidents. Meanwhile:

*The National Weather Service said the Hampton area could receive 4-6 inches of snow, while the Western areas of the state could get as much as 8-12 inches. A transition to sleet and freezing rain is expected in Hampton Roads late tonight, and a winter storm warning remains in effect through Tuesday morning.

*Hampton City Schools will be closed Tuesday.

*Trash and recycling collections scheduled for the rest of this week will be made as soon as secondary roads are safely passable. Residents should place trash and recycling containers curbside on scheduled collection days (because of the holiday, Monday’s collection is scheduled for Wednesday) and leave them curbside until collections have been made. Progress may be slow because of the weather, but everyone will be served as quickly as possible.

*Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon, just before snow started falling. The declaration authorizes state agencies to help local governments respond to the storm.

Motorists are urged to stay off the roads if possible.

For the latest information on road conditions, go to www.511Virginia.org. For the latest winter weather preparedness tips, go to www.ready.virginia.gov. Locally, monitor www.hampton.gov or call 311 (727-8311) for updates.