RICHMOND, Va.--- As Isaias makes its way up the coast, Dominion Energy and Red Cross Virginia Region are preparing for the tropical storm.
"We can't plan the track of a storm," The Red Cross Regional Communication League's Christy Carneal said. "You can look at all the models and think it might go here, but until it actually hits, you never know if you're going to be in the area that's impacted."
🌀TRACKING ISAIAS: Click here for the latest update on the track of the storm.
We've been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning in #RVA and eastern VA. This means tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours. @CBS6 pic.twitter.com/nUh3uwHMyX
— Mike Goldberg (@MikeGoldbergWX) August 3, 2020
The Red Cross and Dominion Energy are keeping a close watch on the storm.
"We have been monitoring the storm for the past few days to... gauge what type of potential impact there could be to our service territory," Dominion Energy's Jeremy Slayton said. "In a storm like this with very high winds and rain, it can cause trees and tree branches to fall and break onto our lines; break the poles and cause a line to fall down to the ground. Keep everyone away. Stay 30 feet away and call us immediately."
Before the storm impacts Virginia, the Red Cross wants to make sure you are prepared at home.
"Prepare for whatever storm may come," Carneal urged. "Do you have extra water you can drink? Do you have a portable emergency radio you? Do you have it set to the alerts should you need to evacuate?"
Carneal said more than 100 people have been assigned to help with prepping food and shelter and that emergency managers from localities have been in contact with the agency.
"We're even talking to emergency managers, elected officials in your areas, and getting some of those plans into place" Carneal said. "We never wait until after the storm hits to see what's needed. We've already started those discussions."
You can download the AmericanRed Cross Hero Care App to to find out about help available for your area.
And if your power does go out, contact Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357
"Our crews are ready to respond," Slayton said. "They are very experienced working restoration events and they will work safely and efficiently to make sure power is restored as soon as possible to our customers."
