TS Debby Aims For VA: How To Prepare For Rains, Flooding

VIRGINIA — With a state of emergency declared in Virginia as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby move in Friday, residents should prepare for flooding, damaging winds, and potential power outages.

The state should see the most rainfall from the storm's remnants on Friday, unless it stalls, which could increase the flood risk to the Commonwealth. The National Hurricane Center expects that Debby will be downgraded to a tropical depression as it reaches Northern Virginia.

Several inches of expected in the Washington, D.C., region, with some models showing the highest rainfall totals west and north of D.C., The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said. Some flooding is possible, especially in typically poor drainage areas or if the system stalls as it heads north.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued the emergency order Tuesday afternoon as Debby brought prolonged downpours and flooding to some of America's most historic Southern cities in Georgia and South Carolina.

Debby is expected to move slowly across the South and hover over the Atlantic Ocean for the next few days before moving northeastward across eastern North Carolina and Virginia later this week, the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast. The storm could lead to potentially record-setting rainfall in some places.

While the storm's track remains uncertain, the system could bring heavy rain, winds, and inland and tidal flooding to parts of Virginia, according to forecasters.

Here are some tips to prepare for Debby's arrival, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Ready.gov.

Review your insurance policy, secure your property and create a plan that includes arrangements for your pets or those who may need extra assistance. Below are a few critical steps to ensure you and your family’s safety.

Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.

Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance on family communications plans is available here.

Check your insurance coverage. Remember, there may be a waiting period (typically 30 days) for a flood insurance policy to become effective, and be aware that not all storm-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent, shop private flood insurance, or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings. It is also imperative that you have adequate coverage on all insurance policies to ensure it reflects current home values and replacement costs.

Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries, and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit here.

Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow the directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during storms; make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. Learn more about preparing your business, your family, and your property against hurricane threats (and other disasters) at vaemergency.gov/prepare and ready.gov/hurricanes.

Preparation Resources

• Sign up for alerts and warnings from your county and state, as well as NOAA Weather Radio.
• Make a plan - visit https://www.ready.gov/plan.
• Know hurricane evacuation zones - visit KnowYourZone.
• Save for a rainy day - visit https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
• Practice emergency drills both at home and at the office.
• Make and test a family communications plan. Designate a central contact number with a family member or trusted friend, perhaps out of town. Text messages will go through when voice lines are overloaded.
• Safeguard valuable documents both physically and digitally.
• Assemble or update emergency supplies.
• Make your home safer - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-strengthen-home.
• Document and insure your property - visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-insurance.
• Get involved in your community - take an emergency course, volunteer, request a preparedness presentation from local emergency management officials.
• Download the FEMA app and visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov for preparedness tips.

Power Outages

Download the Dominion Energy app now to quickly report power outages and check for status updates online.

Call Dominion at 866-366-4357 to report a downed line. The utility asks residents to remain on the call and speak with a representative to provide as much information about the location and condition of the line.

Track power outages via Dominion Energy's outage map. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed lines.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, which serves parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties, said anyone who experiences a power outage can report the incident to NOVEC.