Weather Safety

Prepare for weather conditions, both those forecasted and those not. Here are types of extreme weather you can expect when visiting the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests—and how to prepare and stay safe when they occur. 

• Floods
• High Wind Hazards
• Hurricanes
• Lightning

Floods 

A flood is a high flow or overflow from a river or a similar body water, occurring over a period of time. A flash flood is a rapid rise of water in a low-lying area, usually causes by an intense storm that produces heavy rainfall in a short amount of time. Both types of floods can happen anytime during the year. 

Safety Checklist (download pdf for Flood Safety, download pdf for Flash Floods Safety)

• Know your area’s flood risks. Monitor the NOAA weather radio all hazards bulletin or local news stations for vital weather information.
• Avoid camping or parking your vehicle along streams, rivers, or low-lying areas when rain is forecasted. 
• Stay alert for signs of heavy rain. Watch for rising water levels and listen for rushing water. 
• Get to high ground if flooding occurs. Leave low-lying areas immediately. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately. 
• Don’t try to swim to safety. Wait for rescuers to come to you. 
• Avoid visiting or recreating in areas already flooded. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. 
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
• Visit NOAA’s website for weather updates. 

 

High Wind Hazards

High winds can knock over fully grown trees, even if their bursts only last a few seconds. Pay attention to high wind advisories and high wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service. 

Safety Checklist 

• Take shelter immediately if there are high winds in the area you are visiting. 
• Watch out for falling trees and flying debris. 
• Be careful when driving. Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially high profile vehicles (RVs, campers, and trucks). Be especially careful on bridges and overpasses. 
• Listen to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service. Visit NOAA’s website for weather updates. 

 

Hurricanes

Hurricanes can directly impact the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Although their intensity, speed, and direction are unpredictable, a hurricane can easily be tracked by weather experts before its arrival to the region. If a hurricane is forecasted to arrive to the area, postpone your trip. 

Safety Checklist 

• Modify travel plans and avoid areas predicted to be in the path of a hurricane
• Share your travel plan with emergency contacts before your visit.
• Get to a safe, indoor location before a tropical storm or hurricane approaches your area.
• Turn around if you are in a vehicle and see flooding ahead of you. 
• Have a hurricane preparedness kit, especially if you live and travel in hurricane-prone areas. 
• Expect downed trees and flooded areas which may block roads after a hurricane.
• Visit NOAA’s website for weather updates and resources on hurricane preparedness. 

Lightning

Lightning can be very dangerous. It can span 5 miles in length, attain a temperature of approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and contain over 100 million electrical volts. Heed severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. 

Safety Checklist 

• Immediately move to a safe shelter when you hear thunder, as lightning is close enough to strike you. Remain in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. 
• Stay low when outdoors. Lightning hits the tallest object around, so avoid elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. If caught in an open field, seek a low spot and crouch with your feet together and head low. 
• Avoid isolated trees, cliffs, and rocky overhangs. It is better to run into a forested area if possible. 
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills and other tall objects. 
• Drop metal objects like fishing poles, umbrellas and backpacks with metal frames. 
• Get off bicycles, motorcycles, horses and ATVs, as they can attract lightning. 
• Get off any body of water and seek shelter when a storm is approaching. If you cannot get off the water, crouch down low in the boat. 
• Check NOAA’s website for weather updates.