Hurricane Florence Press Release # 4   Low Moor, VA (Sept. 14, 2018) - Alleghany County and Covington City are continuing to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Local officials are continuing to have daily communications with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and National Weather Service. Citizens are still strongly encouraged to monitor the weather forecast as rainfall amounts from Sunday until Tuesday could produce flash flooding and some moderate stream and river flooding. Wind speeds have been reduced for the Alleghany Highlands, but, with saturated grounds, fallen trees could cause power outages. Citizens still need to be vigilant and monitor weather and water level conditions. Those that live in flood prone areas still need to make preparations immediately and have the necessary plans in place to evacuate before water levels rise. Citizens should also be prepared for extended power outages and road closures. Due to the potentially high volume of calls to the 911 Dispatch Centers this weekend as a result of the weather event, please limit your calls to 911 to life threatening emergencies only. Non-life-threatening calls for assistance may be directed to the Dispatch Centers at 965-1770 for the County and towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate and 965-6333 for Covington City. Power outage, or restoration time, calls (based on your provider) should be directed to Dominion Power at 866-366-4357, Craig-Botetourt Electric at 800-760-2232, or BARC at 800-846-2272. VDOT road condition information can be obtained by calling 511. The County and City will open shelters as needed and as determined by the progression of the weather event. They have designated the following as shelter locations: Alleghany County Governmental Complex, Clifton Forge Fire Department, Lone Star Advent Christian Church Family Life Center, Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Main Station, Falling Spring Elementary, Callaghan Elementary, Dunlap Fire and Rescue Main Station, Clifton Middle/Mountain View Elementary, Jeter-Watson Intermediate School, and Covington Armory/Recreation Center. If sheltering is needed, information will be disseminated to the public through the local radio station, Facebook, online media, County/City websites, and Reverse 911 calls and door-to-door visits. Please have the necessary provisions such as food, water, medications (extra oxygen cylinders), radios, batteries, flashlights, etc. in place to sustain yourself and family for up to 72 hours since the availability of outside resources may be minimal at best. Information on how to prepare and items that need be included in an emergency kit can be found on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website www.vaemergency.gov/hurricanes.

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