FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Hurricane Helene downgraded to a tropical storm but was still packing a punch.
With wind gusts from higher elevations at upwards of 50 miles per hour, it was all about slowing down on roadways and staying in if you didn’t have to be out.
“We went right from a drought to 22 counties being in a state of preparedness,” said JAK Kincaid, Â Fayette County Office of Emergency Management’s Chief of Emergency Preparedness & Operations. “If you don’t need to be out today, stay in, catch some TV — enjoy yourself. If you have to be out in it be very careful, this wind is tough and it can affect your driving.”
Driving in Hurricane Helene’s path could be challenging and potentially dangerous.
“Especially in wet conditions, rainy conditions today slow down; five miles an hour, ten miles an hour if you can,” Kincaid said.
September is National Preparedness Month. Check out https://www.ready.gov checklists for 72-hour preparedness kits, and things we might not be thinking about — especially if you have elderly or young family members. Stock up on 72 hours (three days) worth of food for the weekend, just in case.
“Check your prescriptions. Make sure they’re current. If you have backup power or a generator, that’s always good,” said the chief of emergency preparedness & operations.
“Make sure you have fuel. If you’re gonna be using your electronics and things like that, we’ve seen some brownouts already this morning — charge everything up that you plan on using.”
The National Weather Service out of Charleston is a good resource.
“And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are out on weather.Gov,” Kincaid said. “Great weather briefings; we take them here at the office twice a week and there’s an e-mail update every day.”
Be wise out there, or better yet stay home.
“At the end of the day just take care of yourselves and be safe,” said the chief of emergency preparedness & operations.
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