Virginia drivers advised to prepare for flooding and road closures in Shenandoah Valley
Staunton, Virginia – Motorists in the Shenandoah Valley should brace for potential flooding, flash floods, and road closures as the remnants of Hurricane Helene sweep through the area. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has warned of the possibility of low-lying areas being submerged, along with reduced visibility due to fog in some regions.
VDOT crews in the Staunton District are preparing to barricade and block off any roads that become flooded. Travelers are urged to avoid any flooded routes and find alternative paths, heeding the advice: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Importantly, drivers are asked not to move or remove any road barriers, as doing so can put them and others at risk of encountering unsafe road conditions.
Downed Trees and Road Monitoring Expected
Drivers may also face obstacles like fallen trees or limbs on roadways. Due to the ground saturation from recent rains, some trees are likely to be weakened and prone to collapse under the stress of strong winds and flooding. VDOT crews will continue to monitor road conditions throughout the storm on Thursday and Friday, closing any roads affected by water or debris as necessary.
To improve safety and visibility, motorists are reminded of the “Wipers On – Headlights On” law in Virginia. When windshield wipers are required during rain or fog, headlights must also be turned on to enhance visibility for all road users.
Stay Informed and Report Hazards
Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions across the state before venturing out. Updated traffic alerts and real-time information are available by dialing 511 or visiting 511 Virginia. For those looking for a list of closed roads, the website provides a “Road Condition Table” feature under the “Text Views” section on the orange bar at the top of the page, where individual county details can be accessed.
The VDOT Customer Service Center is available 24/7 to assist with road hazard reports, transportation inquiries, or general information about Virginia’s roads. The hotline, 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623), and its mobile-friendly site, My VDOT, provide support around the clock.
Stay Connected with VDOT
VDOT Staunton District, which serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties, keeps residents informed via its Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts. Statewide updates are also posted on VDOT’s Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube pages.
For further information and resources, visit VDOT’s official website.
Motorists are advised to stay vigilant, remain cautious during travel, and respect road barriers and safety instructions for their well-being and the safety of others on the road.
