Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and other officials are working to make sure that citizens across the Commonwealth are aware of the potential forecast for heavy rains and winds this weekend. Two separate weather events are taking shape and will quite literally combine to create one of the most historic weather events of the history of the Roanoke Valley.
Whenever Roanokers reflect on historic weather events, we often begin with telling the tale of the historic flood of 1985. The flood of ’85, also know as the “Election Day Flood” caused 753 million dollars in property damage and cost 22 people their lives. My wife, just eleven years old and a resident of Smith Mountain Lake remembers how quickly the lake waters rose and the disappearing shoreline. She also recalls seeing people rescued from trees by helicopters and dozens of pictures of cars sitting in waist high water. That historic flood was also caused by a hurricane, Hurricane Juan that made landfall in Pensacola, Florida and moved north into Canada. As it moved northward across the nation, it spawned other storms that flooded West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
This weekend as another Hurricane (oddly enough, one that also starts with a “J”) is making headlines, residents of Roanoke and the surrounding areas are being told to prepare emergency kits and to pay close attention to weather conditions. At the time of this posting, Hurricane Joaquin is expected to be upgraded to a category 4 storm with winds over 120 mph.
The City of Roanoke has the following suggestions for emergency preparedness posted on their website:
- Make an emergency communication & family reunification plan.
- Sign up for the City of Roanoke Reverse 911 so you can be alerted to hazardous situations. You can sign up at www.roanokeva.gov.
- Never drive through flooded roadways – turn around, don’t drown!
- Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running or contaminated water.
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.
- Stay alert and vigilant and keep up to date with local media outlets.
I encourage everyone to heed the warnings from our local officials and to monitor the weather closely. Driving in heavy downpours and on flooded roadways is exceptionally dangerous. Please keep these safety tips in mind if you have to go out:
1.) Turn your headlights on so that others may see you.
2.) Before driving, be sure your windshield wipers are in working condition.
3.) Drive slowly and take your time.
4.) Allow more space between your and other cars, especially trucks which tend to throw a lot of water back onto your windshield, decreasing your visibility.
5.) Drive with both hands on the steering wheel and anticipate wind gusts, especially on interstates like I-81.
6.) Be aware of high profile vehicles, like tractor trailers. These vehicles are more susceptible to losing control or being overturned by high wind conditions. Do not ride in a lane beside them for extended periods of time.
7.) Minimize distractions! Do not use your phone to talk or text while driving.
Car accidents are among the leading cause of deaths in Virginia. In 2014, on average, 2 people died each day in roadway crashes.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident, call The Thomson Law Firm at (540) 777-4900. An intake specialist is waiting to take your call and can get you the help that you need. Call for your FREE case evaluation today.
