State Police urges motorists to be alert for flash flooding

WYTHEVILLE – With Tropical Storm Florence expected to impact Southwest Virginia and communities along the Virginia-North Carolina border, the Virginia State Police is advising all motorists to be on alert for flash flooding in the coming days. Drivers are advised to especially be alert when traveling on roads near creeks, streams and/or areas that commonly flood. With wind advisories for the region also in place, drivers are advised to keep a look out for downed trees, debris and power lines – which one should never drive over or touch.

Drivers are reminded to never attempt to drive through standing water or a flooded roadway. The depth of standing water can be deceiving and it is difficult to estimate how swift floodwaters are moving. Thus all motorists are advise to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The CDC states that it takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.

All drivers and passengers are reminded to buckle up. Infants and young children must be safely secured in child safety seats, booster seats and/or seat belts.  Please limit distractions, avoid texting while driving, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For the latest updates on road conditions and closures in Virginia, drivers can call 511 or go to www.511virginia.org or download the 511 Virginia app.

From Virginia State Police