Wind and rain from Hurricane Helene headed to western Virginia

 SALEM — Flash flooding and high winds resulting from the remnants of Hurricane Helene are expected impact travel on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27, in western Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to respond to road impacts and is encouraging residents to pay close attention to local weather reports and official announcements and limit travel based on conditions. 

With recent precipitation ahead of the storm, the ground is already wet and saturated, so additional heavy rainfall could cause significant flooding and roadway damage. High winds may down trees and utility lines or blow debris into roads. 

During and following the storm, travelers should use extreme caution on the roadways. Drivers should: 

• “Turn around and don’t drown” when encountering flooded roadways.
• Be alert to debris, ponding or rushing water, and downed trees and power lines.
• Obey all “road closed” signage.
• Remember headlights should always be on when wipers are on.

Prior to travel, the public can check road conditions by calling 511, visiting www.511Virginia.org or checking the 511 Virginia mobile app. VDOT provides the most up-to-date information available about flooded roads on 511. To access the list of flooded roads, look for the text views section of the web site and search under road conditions.

To report downed trees or other road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center, visit my.vdot.virginia.gov or call 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). For emergencies, dial 911.