UPDATE: New Kent, Charles City main roads clear, VDOT working on secondary roads; single vehicle accident with injuries reported in New Kent

The fallen pine tree shown above blocked Airport Road in the 7300 block. As of 7:45 a.m. New Kent Sheriff's Office was on the scene and VDOT was en route to remove the tree, reports Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin. The road reopened shortly after 8 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin

Snow has ended in New Kent and Charles City counties and main roads are clear, but secondary road conditions continue to be hazardous, resulting in a single vehicle accident with injuries in New Kent.

The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on Tabernacle Road, near the intersection with Holly Forks Road east of Barhamsville in the county’s eastern end, said New Kent Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin.

State Police and New Kent Fire/Rescue responded to the location, he added. Two people sustained minor injuries, but both victims were transported to a Williamsburg hospital.

“The main roads are in great shape,” McLaughlin said. “VDOT has done an outstanding job and is making attempts to clear secondary roads now.”

Other than the accident with injuries and five instances of downed trees blocking county roads, there have been no other reports of serious accidents or emergency calls, he said.

“It’s pretty much been assisting disabled vehicles,” he said. “People are stuck in ditches or having trouble getting over areas that are higher than what they’re used to.”

Earlier today, Dominion Virginia Power reported 67 New Kent customers without electrical service, but power has since been restored.

Snowfall amounts vary in New Kent and Charles City and range from a low of 4 inches in parts of New Kent to a high of 9 inches in areas in both counties. Thursday evening, the National Weather Service reported the following snow depths: Charles City 7″, Barhamsville 8″, Crump’s Mill 6″, and 7″ in Quinton, Lanexa, and Providence Forge.

State Police, meanwhile, are out on roadways and have been working continuously throughout the night assisting motorists during the winter storm.

Troopers worked 17 motor vehicle crashes in the Richmond Metro area, said Sgt. Steve Vick in a report issued at 7 a.m. An hour earlier, he reported 10 motor vehicle crashes and troopers assisting six disabled vehicles and their occupants.

Motorists are asked to delay travel unless it’s absolutely necessary to drive, Vick said. Those who have to travel are reminded of the following safety tips:

–If having to travel, drivers are reminded to do drive to save lives (#drivetosavelives)

–Clear off all snow from your vehicle – windows, roof, trunk and lights

–Add extra time to reach travel destination…be prepared for delays

–Slow speed for road conditions

–Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance

–Buckle up and don’t drive distracted

–MOVE OVER for all stopped emergency vehicles, highway vehicles and tow trucks.

Keep in mind that 911 and #77 are reserved for emergencies only. To check on road conditions anywhere in Virginia, call 511 or go to www.511virginia.org.