Crews in our area are preparing for the impact Hurricane Ian could have here.
AAA spokesperson, Morgan Dean said by the time Hurricane Ian hits Virginia -- the main threat will be the rain and potential flash flooding it could cause.
“Based on the forecasts is going to be a very different storm by the time it gets to Virginia. It's still going to be powerful enough to be a threat. The main threat is going to be all the rain that comes with it and the potential for flash flooding that dangers on the roadway,” said Dean.
Dean expects the heavy rain to start filling up ditches and ponds. That will cause them to overflow onto the roadways.
“Six inches is enough to knock somebody down if they're walking about a foot 12 inches of rushing water is enough to carry off most cars and two feet of rushing water is usually enough to carry away most SUVs and trucks so do not risk it,” said Dean.
If you can't stay off the roads as the storm moves in, there are a few things you can do to stay safe. Dean recommends you slow down.
“Give yourself plenty of stopping time and triple your stopping distance,” said Dean.
He also said to be a follower in this case.
Riding in the tracks of another vehicle can improve traction and help you avoid hydro-planning.
“It's the outside lanes that when the water starts to build up, the storm drains are the culverts that will start to push up into those lanes. If you're driving in a center lane, it's usually a little bit further away from where the water starts to build up,” said Dean.
ABC13 also spoke with Lloyd Lenhart, Director of Community Relations with Southside Electric Cooperative.
“Most recently, it looks like it's going to further west, impacting your viewership area more. We'll continue to monitor and prepare the best we can. It looks like a lot of rain. We are not entirely sure about the wind amounts. That's what will make the difference as it approaches our region,” said LENHART.
Crews with Southside Electric have been monitoring the forecast to determine what supplies they need and where they need their crews.
“We'll assess our damage and determine if we need additional assistance and or if we can provide mutual aid to other cooperatives that have been hit and impacted by the hurricane in weather,” said Lenhart.
Lenhart said something we need to be careful of this weekend is that the heavy rain will saturate the ground, making it easier for the trees to fall onto power lines and cause possible power outages.
“ABC13 viewers should prepare for the storm. They should fill their car with gas and put together an emergency kit together. Things like non-perishable food, water, and whatever medicines they might need are all good to have stocked up,” said Lenhart.