VDOT crews are coordinating closely with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and state emergency responders to respond to Hanna’s impacts.

VDOT crews are working throughout most the state to monitor roadways and respond to downed trees, flooding and other impediments to transportation.

At this time, there are very few roads that have been closed because of flooding, but more impacts are expected throughout the day as heavy rains pass through Virginia.

For a complete list of roadways impacted by Hanna, visit www.511virginia.org and click on “Road Conditions.”

All tunnels and bridges are in the Hampton Roads region are operating normally at this time.

As Tropical Storm Hanna moves through the commonwealth, motorists may encounter downed trees and power lines and standing water.

VDOT has placed crews on standby to close roadways that flood and repair flood-related damage.

Crews have spent the last several days ensuring that equipment is prepared and cleaning ditches and drainage structures to handle the heavy rains.

DRIVING TIPS

VDOT reminds motorists who must travel today to know the road conditions before they leave home.

Motorists can call 511 Virginia from any cell phone or land-line, or can log onto www.511Virginia.org for the latest information.

Drivers should use extreme caution while traveling throughout the commonwealth during the next few days, especially in low-lying areas or on roads that are prone to flooding.

Remember never to drive through standing water, as you might lose control of your vehicle.
 
Rapidly rising water could engulf your vehicle and sweep it away. According to the National Weather Service, two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile-based.

There is no way to tell if flooded roads have been washed out by swift-moving waters.

If you come across a flooded road, turn around and use an alternate route.

VDOT’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROLE

VDOT’s key role is responding to storms such as Hanna is to open roads as quickly and safely as possible. Other responsibilities include:

• Setting up traffic control and detours and assisting with traffic control for evacuations
  
 
• Removing debris and branches from roadways and coordinating clean-up with other entities – such as power companies



• Making emergency repairs to damaged roads and bridges



• Assessing damages and providing emergency engineering services



• Coordinating long-term recovery to restore transportation infrastructure



• Providing emergency plans and procedures



• Providing back-up communications to support emergency response and recovery operations



• Communicating road condition information to the public

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• www.vaemergency.com - general storm information, status of Virginia response efforts and the latest information about storm damage and response statewide
  
  
• Call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org – for the latest road conditions on major highways throughout the commonwealth



• Highway Helpline (800) 367-ROAD - to report flooded roads or road damage
  
  
• www.ReadyVirginia.gov for information about how you to prepare you and your family for emergencies

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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.