RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter 540-829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394

CULP-056 June 27, 2006

Motorists Warned of Flash Flood Danger

CULPEPER – Torrential rains across much of the Culpeper District on Tuesday have left numerous secondary roads under water and the Virginia Department of Transportation is warning motorists to use caution while traveling overnight, particularly on secondary roads and in flood-prone areas.

Approximately two dozen roads in Albemarle, Greene, Culpeper and Rappahannock counties are reported closed due to high water. VDOT crews will work through the night to set up barricades and signs on flooded roads as well as respond to any other reported problems.

At 10 p.m. Tuesday, the following roads are closed due to high water:

Albemarle County
Route 20 at Scottsville
Route 602
Route 626
Route 672
Route 704
Route 708
Route 712
Route 713 from Route 20 to the dead end
Route 715
Route 723
Route 724
Route 726

Culpeper County
Route 644 from Route 607 to Route 707

Greene County
Route 601 from Route 628 to Route 810
Route 605 from Route 743 to Route 604
Route 616 at Route 607
Route 634 from Route 33 to the gravel portion of Route 635
Route 637 at Route 621, South River crossing
Route 642 at Route 643
Route 667 from Route 613 to end of state maintenance

Rappahannock County
Route 601 from Route 707 to Route 602
Route 612 from Route 653 to Route 600
Routes 626 and 622 in the Rock Mills area
Route 644 from Route 707 to the Culpeper County line

Motorists are urged to avoid travel overnight, and if you must drive, to observe the following precautions:

• Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six inches of water to float a small vehicle.
• Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
• Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause loss of control due to hydroplaning.
• Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas.
• If a flash flood warning is broadcast, seek high ground immediately.
• Watch for debris on the roadway. If you encounter a downed power line, do not try to move the line.

Motorists can receive updated information about roads closings and weather by dialing 511 on any telephone within Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.