CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Parts of Nelson and Albemarle counties saw severe thunderstorms warnings Tuesday afternoon with more severe weather possible Wednesday.
With recent forecasts like these in mind, AAA is making sure drivers know what to do if caught in severe weather.
Morgan Dean with AAA Mid-Atlantic told Cville Right Now checking the forecast is the first thing drivers should do before hitting the road and emphasized the important using a weather app with live radar.
In rainy conditions, Dean said drivers should never use cruise control, and if their visibility becomes poor, they should pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
Dean also advised looking out for standing water, as it can cause hydroplaning and a loss of traction. He also urged drivers to “never drive into water if you don’t have any idea how deep it is and turn around, don’t drown.”
He also warned of the danger of hail during a thunderstorm.
“If thunderstorms are expected, seek covered parking if possible as hail can start falling very quickly,” Dean said. “If driving during a hailstorm, move your vehicle to a safe location if one is nearby, and get under an overhang if you can. If no shelter is available and the hail becomes large and begins impacting the vehicle, pull completely off the roadway and remain inside the vehicle stopped there.”
He said drivers should stay in their vehicle during a lightning storm as the rubber tires ground the vehicle making it one of the safest places you can be.
However, one of the worst places you can be in a vehicle is during a tornado warning.
“If possible, leave your vehicle, seek shelter in a sturdy building or storm shelter in an interior room without windows,” Dean said. “If no permanent shelter is available, buckle in, get below your windows, cover yourself with a blanket, and protect your head and neck. Never shelter beneath a highway overpass or a bridge during a tornado as this can actually increase your danger because winds can be intensified.”
