Lou Hatter 434-422-9866
Jan. 25, 2010
SEVERAL SECONDARY ROADS CLOSED BY HIGH WATER, FALLEN TREES
VDOT crews working to remove debris, barricade flooded roads
CULPEPER — Heavy rains across Piedmont Virginia overnight have caused small streams to rise and closed a handful of secondary roads in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Madison and Culpeper counties. Several other roads are closed due to fallen trees.
Motorists should be aware of water ponding in the roads this morning as rain continues to fall. Hitting standing water at high speed can cause hydroplaning and loss of control so drivers should reduce speed and increase following distance behind other vehicles. Rain and high winds are forecast to continue through the day Monday so motorists should continue to be alert to changing conditions.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are working to barricade roads covered by water and remove trees from the roads. Motorists should check VDOT’s traffic information Web site, www.511Virginia.org, for the latest information about road closings and weather conditions. Along with an interactive map that depicts traffic and weather conditions, VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras also provides live feeds of traffic conditions on major highways, including Interstate 64 and I-66, Route 29, Route 33 and Route 250 in Central Virginia.
Motorists are urged to avoid travel during severe storm conditions, and if you must drive, to observe the following precautions:
• Expect the unexpected. Be prepared to slow or stop quickly and without warning.
• At night, drive at a speed that enables you to stop quickly and safely within the distance illuminated by the vehicle’s headlights.
• Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle.
• Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
• Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause loss of control due to hydroplaning.
• Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas.
• If a flash flood warning is broadcast, seek high ground immediately.
• Be alert for tree limbs and other debris in the roadway. Even small branches and other debris can damage a car or cause the driver to lose control.
• Assume all fallen power lines are electrified and dangerous. Never attempt to drive across, step over or move fallen utility lines.
• The danger is greatest in areas where trees are near to or overhanging the roadway. Use extra caution when driving in those areas.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.