Are You Ready for Tropical Storm Debby?

Fredericksburg area could see significant rainfall on Thursday and Friday.

By Hank Silverberg
CORRESPONDENT
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency in Virginia as Tropical Storm Debby moves up the east coast.

The Fredericksburg region and inland areas are not expected to feel the brunt force of the storm, but the National Weather Service says Debby is likely to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday, along with potentially high winds and some flash flooding by mid-day Friday.

While the storm will not be a full-fledged hurricane, homeowners and motorists should take some precautions as they plan for the next few days. As much as six inches of rain could fall in some areas of Central Virginia and along the Blue Ridge mountains, causing local creeks and streams to overflow and flash flooding in low-lying areas.

According to the National Weather Service, the threat of tornados could develop sometime on Friday along with the heavy rain and high winds.

The most-likely impact to our region could be downed trees or power outages. Here are a few tips from the National Weather Service and the power companies that may help you weather the storm:

Make sure you have non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.
Put together a first aid kit to include bandages, antiseptic in case of minor injuries, and face coverings, which may be necessary to avoid debris.
Fully charge cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices. If you have a reserve battery pack, fully charge that, too.
Have fresh batteries on hand for your battery-powered lanterns and flashlights. (Avoid candles, which can be a fire hazard.)
Have a battery-powered radio and new batteries on hand to keep up with weather reports and travel information.
Gas up your car in case you have to evacuate. You can also use your car as a power source for many devices in case of a long-term power outage.
If your power goes out, don’t assume that the power company already knows about your area. Report it. (See below).
If a power line falls onto your house or nearby trees, do not try to remove it yourself. Remain at least 30 feet away and call your local power company. Stay away from the power lines, which may still be active.
Because of potentially high winds, remove objects around the outside of your home that could become projectiles in high winds, such as trash cans, garden tools and children’s outdoor toys or bicycles. Store them inside a garage or shed.
If you are out driving and come across high water, particularly in low-lying areas, “turn around, don’t drown.” The water can be deeper than it looks. Cars can be swept away in as little as six inches of rushing water and will begin to float in about a foot of water.
Check your car emergency kit to make sure it’s intact in case you need it.
If a tornado is approaching, got to a secure interior room in the basement or on the lower floor in your home, such as bathroom or closet, away from windows and doors.

Use the links below to report power outages. There are also numbers to call if a power outage or downed wires prevent you from using the internet. Keep this information in a convenient place.

Dominion Power: 866/366-4357

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative: 800/552-3904

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative: 866/663-2688

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