VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation is prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias, which is forecast to affect Virginia beginning late tonight into Tuesday. Culpeper District crews spent the day ensuring that roadway drainage systems are clear, project sites are secured for heavy weather and notifying on-call contractors to be prepared to mobilize.

VDOT crews are on alert for deployment as the storm approaches. Flooded roads, trees and debris felled by high winds and fallen power lines are among the hazards motorists may face during the storm. VDOT and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management remind the public that travel during the storm may be difficult and dangerous and residents are encouraged to shelter in place until the storm passes.

The Culpeper District, which stretches from Fauquier County south through Albemarle County and east to Louisa and Orange counties, is forecast to see high winds and several inches of rain as the story sweeps through the region. The storm’s impacts are anticipated to begin Monday evening with rain and wind increasing through the night and tomorrow morning.

Once the storm arrives:

• Never drive across a flooded roadway. The underlying road or bridge may be damaged or completely washed away beneath flood waters, and a few inches of water can sweep vehicles downstream. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Do not try to move or drive around a barricade.
• Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas.
• If you come across a downed power line, do not try to move it. Contact your local authorities.
• 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.
• Keep headlights on while it’s raining: it’s the law.

Information resources

• Get the latest road conditions - call 511, go to 511virginia.org or download the mobile app at the 511 web site.
• Report downed trees, hazardous road conditions or talk to a customer service representative – call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).

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