Terrible News About A Truck Blown Off Of The Ches. Bay Bridge Tunnel

Wind restrictions had not yet been elevated to the point where his truck was restricted from crossing.

Sorry, here's the link...

Driver dies after tractor trailer goes over Ches. Bay Bridge-Tunnel

I was within 10 miles of the CBBT when that accident happened. I did park it today early because when it was gusting at near 40 mph, there was no way I was going to be caught dragging an empty trailer 100 miles from Suffolk, VA back to Hopewell, VA. I cannot guess how high the wind was where that truck crashed, but I will guess the wind played a factor. He was alive when they initially retrieved him from the water, but unfortunately passed away en route to the hospital.

Thank God you shut it down before crossing; if any truckers are unfamiliar with that bridge, once you get on the bridge, over the water, it's 17+ miles from shore to shore, 12 mi. on the bridges, 5 mi. in the tunnels. Nearly as dangerous as crossing the bridges during windy or gusty conditions is coming out of the tunnels: the wind slams into the side of the trucks with a sudden and exaggerated force as you drive out of the tunnel and into the exposed air. Nearly impossible to prepare for; you can prepare for the sudden blast of wind, but that doesn't stop it from occurring. Drive safe everyone.

I was within 10 miles of the CBBT when that accident happened. I did park it today early because when it was gusting at near 40 mph, there was no way I was going to be caught dragging an empty trailer 100 miles from Suffolk, VA back to Hopewell, VA. I cannot guess how high the wind was where that truck crashed, but I will guess the wind played a factor. He was alive when they initially retrieved him from the water, but unfortunately passed away en route to the hospital.

This makes me wonder if there is any way we can get real time wind speed readings while in a truck. Or if there is any technique to "plan" for potential high wind spots?

This particular bridge-tunnel system is unique in that it traverses the Chesapeake Bay, where you of course are traveling over wide-open water, and the shoreline on both sides is completely flat for miles inland... no obstructions whatsoever anywhere to buffer the wind. If there are any wind restrictions at all that might be a warning to just not cross, even if you are legally allowed to.

This particular bridge-tunnel system is unique in that it traverses the Chesapeake Bay, where you of course are traveling over wide-open water, and the shoreline on both sides is completely flat for miles inland... no obstructions whatsoever anywhere to buffer the wind. If there are any wind restrictions at all that might be a warning to just not cross, even if you are legally allowed to.

The article mentions a Level 2 and Level 1 wind advisories. I don't remember from years ago if they have signs that post those warnings. Do they exist?

Slightly off topic, but the one bridge I am looking forward for a chance to cross one day in a tractor trailer is the Mackinac Bridge.

This particular bridge-tunnel system is unique in that it traverses the Chesapeake Bay, where you of course are traveling over wide-open water, and the shoreline on both sides is completely flat for miles inland... no obstructions whatsoever anywhere to buffer the wind. If there are any wind restrictions at all that might be a warning to just not cross, even if you are legally allowed to.

The article mentions a Level 2 and Level 1 wind advisories. I don't remember from years ago if they have signs that post those warnings. Do they exist?

Yes, there are several signs. The local news story can be seen on "WAVY.com"

I was within 10 miles of the CBBT when that accident happened. I did park it today early because when it was gusting at near 40 mph, there was no way I was going to be caught dragging an empty trailer 100 miles from Suffolk, VA back to Hopewell, VA. I cannot guess how high the wind was where that truck crashed, but I will guess the wind played a factor. He was alive when they initially retrieved him from the water, but unfortunately passed away en route to the hospital.

This makes me wonder if there is any way we can get real time wind speed readings while in a truck. Or if there is any technique to "plan" for potential high wind spots?

If your near the water such as on the CBBT you can use the NOAA weather website. I can't remember the actual part of the website that you use and have it on my old phone and used to use it for kayak fishing the CBBT and other local bridges.

And Pete is right the wind at the mouth of the bay is vicious.