The Virginia Department of Transportation has crews at the ready on Friday as Hurricane Ian prepares to bring large rain totals and wind to the Southside and Central Virginia.
VDOT is encouraging all residents to be prepared for the remnants of Hurricane Ian. They said to look for weather conditions to worsen beginning Friday afternoon and continuing into the night.
The Lynchburg District expects rainfall totals of 3”- 6” and wind gusts of 30-50 miles per hour. Stormy weather will continue through the weekend.
For the past several days VDOT crews have been surveying their areas to clear any drainage structures that could be clogged by debris, preparing equipment, and ensuring that specialty contractors, such as debris removal crews, will be available over the weekend.
According to Len Stevens with VDOT, they will have crews working overnight and more on standby for potential impacts.
"Primary concerns are flooding and downed trees/power lines," Stevens said. "All vehicles are fueled up and ready."
During the storm, VDOT will coordinate its activities with local first responders and utility crews to remove fallen trees and other hazards.
When the weather turns, Stevens said drivers need to stay off the roads. VDOT said there is a real danger of downed trees and power lines, power outages, and flash flooding.
VDOT said crews will remain on-call for the duration of the weekend to respond to storm damage reports.
“VDOT’s top priority is the safety of the traveling public and the safety of our crews who will be battling the effects of Hurricane Ian,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Cathy McGhee, P.E. “Our crews across the Commonwealth have worked diligently to prepare our roadways and our people for whatever this storm may bring. VDOT, along with our partners in VDEM and Virginia State Police are working to ensure our efforts are coordinated and that those impacted receive a quick and effective response.”
Travelers should take extreme caution on roadways:
- Obey all “road closed” signage.
- “Turn around, don’t drown” - Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the CDC, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters.
- 6 inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
- 12 inches can move most cars
- 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Be alert to debris, downed trees, and power lines, as well as road crews that may be attempting to clear roadways.
- Be alert to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges or taller structures. High-profile vehicles such as tractor trailers, SUVs or box trucks are especially vulnerable and should not cross a bridge when a High Wind Advisory is posted.
VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or contact them online athttps://my.vdot.virginia.gov.
During the storm, for the latest information about road closures check 511Virginia.org. A current list of road closures is at Road Conditions Table (511virginia.org).
In addition to current traffic conditions and other real-time travel information on the 511 Virginia website, that information is also available on the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT Lynchburg District updates are also on Facebook and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTLynchburg.
For more on how local agencies are preparing to respond to this storm, visit thelocal page on our website.