Public safety personnel are bracing for impact and catastrophic flooding that may result from rainfall associated with Hurricane Florence if the storm continues its current track.

Patrick County’s Emergency Services Coordinator Steve Allen distributed information to the Patrick County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Monday, detailing local preparations for the storm, which is expected to stall around Greensboro, N.C. on Friday night, bringing up to 20-inches of rain and wind speeds of 30 to 50 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has classified the Category 4 hurricane as a major hurricane that is expected to impact the southeast coast of the United States on Thursday, producing “significant flooding, high winds, and storm surge,” according to a release.

Although it will be later this week before the storm’s track is better known, the projected scenario on Tuesday “could result in catastrophic flooding rainfall across the mountains of western North Carolina, western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia,” according to the NWS in Blacksburg.

Storm damage also may include downed trees and utility lines, which could result in prolonged power outages, officials said.

Allen said emergency management personnel have distributed fuel-filled generators to potential shelters that may be opened and operated by the county. He does not yet know if or which shelters may potentially open. That will be determined by the severity of the storm and the need.

However, Allen said shelters are located at Rotary Field in Stuart, Smith River Volunteer Rescue Squad in Woolwine; Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department/Vesta Volunteer Rescue Squad (same building); and Blue Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Allen said if the need for shelters is widespread, school buildings also may be used, but they will be used a last resort. His department is working closely with Patrick School officials to quickly move forward on opening those as shelters if needed.

The Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) trailer also will be set up at Rotary Field in Stuart, according to Allen who also is working with state officials to procure a swift water team and high four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate flooded areas.

Patrick Sheriff Dan Smith said his office is working closely with Allen to monitor and respond to the situation. Smith said all deputies will be on standby throughout the event.

Allen, Smith and state officials encourage residents to be proactive and take precautions now to help protect their families:

• Monitor local weather reports for up-to-the-minute information on the storm;
• Prepare by creating an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, drinking water for humans and pets, medications, emergency numbers, first aid kit, dust masks and a supply of food to last 3 or 4 days.
• Make a communication plan that identifies your evacuation routes to where your family will meet.
• Charge cell phone batteries and have extra batteries for radios.
• Store or secure items or equipment that may blow away or blow into structures, including lawn furniture.
• Be prepared to be self-sustainable for three days.
• Ensure a source of clean water so livestock won’t have to drink flood water.
• Do not drive across any flooded roadway, as it only takes six inches of water to move a vehicle and roads may be washed out beneath the floodwaters.
• Mark animals with an identifier so they can be returned if lost.  This can include ear tags with name of farm and/or phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coat, or clipped initials in the hair.
• For more emergency preparation tips, please visit www.readyvirginia.gov/ or www.vaemergency.gov.