Slow down when driving during Hurricane Helene

Police officials are advising motorists who need to be on the road as Hurricane Helene approaches the Upstate to use caution on the roads.

Hurricane Helene, the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to cause significant flooding and damage across the Upstate.

Police officials are encouraging drivers to stay home as the storm passes. However, if driving is necessary, remain alert and take it slowly.

“The biggest piece of advice I always tell drivers is to just slow down when it’s wet outside, especially if the roadway is at risk of flooding like we may be experiencing,” said South Carolina Highway Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway Patrol. “ This will only help us maintain control of our vehicle in this wet weather.”

Between 6 and 10 inches of rain is expected to accumulate across the Upstate between Thursday and Friday morning, and mountainous areas near the North Carolina border could see up to 12 inches of rain. Meteorologists predicted total rain accumulations of up to 20 cm and isolated amounts of around 30 cm, likely leading to flash flooding and urban flooding.

What to do on a seaplane?

Ridgeway urged drivers to drive slower than the speed limit.

“Increase your distance, say if a vehicle you’re behind has to stop abruptly, you’ll have a good cushion to stop and a good amount of time,” Ridgeway said.

Hydroplaning is a problem officials see during storms, Ridgeway added. In this case, he advises the driver to take their foot off the accelerator and brake pedals and then steer the vehicle in the right direction. He said driving slower also helps prevent major hydroplaning.

More about Hurricane Helene: Hurricane Helene is heading upstate. Here’s what to pack in your three-day supply

Helene is expected to bring heavy rain and gusts of more than 50 mph to the hinterland area overnight, which could cause trees and power lines to fall. Lt. Ryan Flood with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said motorists should be cautious if they encounter traffic lights that are not working or flashing.

“When it is yellow, individuals must slow down and use caution when crossing. If it flashes red, it means you need to stop and drive carefully as soon as there is no cross traffic. “If the traffic light is completely off, proceed with caution and treat the intersection as a four-way intersection,” Flood said.

“Turn around, don’t drown.”

A flood warning is in effect. Motorists should not attempt to drive through floodwaters. Be aware of trees with loose branches and secure loose items outside during heavy rain.

Ridgeway recommends drivers be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidentally driving into floodwater, especially if they are traveling in a smaller vehicle.

“If you see standing water, the best policy is to simply turn back. Our policy is “Turn over, don’t drown.” The water could cause your engine to stall and then you could get stuck and potentially end up in a life-threatening situation,” Ridgeway said.

When areas experience storms like hurricanes, law enforcement and first responders are overwhelmed. Lt. Flood said the storm, combined with traveling in difficult weather conditions, could lead to slower emergency response times.

Slow down when driving during Hurricane Helene

ByJasper

What to do on a seaplane?

“Turn around, don’t drown.”

By Jasper

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