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Region Gripped by Transportation Nightmare

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 3:25 GMT by Daily Press
      Locales: Virginia, UNITED STATES

A Region at a Standstill: Transportation Nightmare

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is facing an unprecedented challenge in keeping roadways passable. While crews have been deployed around the clock, the sheer volume of snowfall - exceeding 18 inches in some areas - and subsequent ice formation are overwhelming existing resources. Portions of Interstates 64 and 264, along with major arteries like Route 17 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, have been intermittently closed throughout the morning, causing massive traffic backups and stranding motorists. VDOT spokesperson Sarah Miller reiterated the agency's plea for residents to avoid all unnecessary travel. "The situation is evolving rapidly, and even roadways that are currently open may become impassable without warning. We are prioritizing emergency vehicle access and snow removal on primary routes, but full restoration of normal traffic flow is not expected until at least Thursday afternoon," Miller stated.

The impact extends beyond the interstate system. Secondary roads and residential streets are largely unplowed, making it nearly impossible to navigate without a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with winter tires. Local police departments are reporting a surge in calls for assistance, including reports of vehicles sliding off the road and minor accidents. The Coast Guard is also monitoring conditions in the waterways, as ice formation poses a threat to maritime traffic.

Airports Grounded: Travelers Stranded

Hampton Roads Airports are experiencing catastrophic disruptions. Norfolk International Airport (ORF) has canceled over 250 flights, with a further 300+ delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is facing similar challenges, with a majority of Wednesday's scheduled flights grounded. Airlines are offering waivers for change fees and cancellations, but rebooking options are limited due to the widespread nature of the storm. Airport officials are urging passengers to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates and to avoid traveling to the airport until further notice.

The cascading effect of flight cancellations is expected to linger for several days, potentially creating a backlog of passengers and further exacerbating travel woes. ORF and PHF are working with local hotels to provide accommodations for stranded travelers, but capacity is becoming increasingly strained.

Education Disrupted: Schools and Universities Closed

Almost all school districts across Hampton Roads - including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson - have announced school closures for Wednesday. Many have also preemptively canceled after-school activities and events for Thursday. Several universities, including Old Dominion University (ODU), Christopher Newport University (CNU), and Tidewater Community College (TCC), have also shifted to remote learning or announced campus closures. The decision to close schools and universities was based on concerns for student and staff safety, given the hazardous road conditions and potential for prolonged power outages.

Power Grid Strained: Dominion Energy Responds

The weight of the heavy, wet snow on power lines has caused isolated outages across the region. Dominion Energy crews are working to restore power, but the challenging weather conditions are hindering their efforts. Areas with significant tree cover are particularly vulnerable, as falling branches are bringing down power lines. Dominion Energy is urging residents to report outages and to exercise caution around downed power lines. A dedicated website and mobile app are available to provide outage updates and estimated restoration times.

Looking Ahead: A Slow Thaw and Recovery

The National Weather Service forecasts that the snowfall will taper off late Wednesday evening. However, temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for the next 24-48 hours, increasing the risk of black ice and prolonging the recovery process. VDOT is bracing for a challenging cleanup operation, with crews working tirelessly to clear roads and restore mobility. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and prioritize safety during this unprecedented winter event.