John Townsend
Public Relations Manager, DC
O: (202) 481-6820 (ext. 4462108)
C: (202) 253-2171
jtownsend@aaamidatlantic.com
WASHINGTON, D. C. (Thursday, March 1, 2018) –– The old weather folklore might be true after all. This year, March is roaring “in like a lion” with sustained winds speeds of at least 40 miles per hour and the prospects of wind gusts up to 70 mph, weather prognosticators are predicting. The Greater Washington region could be “hit by the strongest wind storm since Superstorm Sandy in 2012,” weather forecasters say. It will spawn unsafe driving conditions. For safety’s sake, motorists and homeowners must monitor weather conditions and wind warnings during the Nor’easter or “Bombogenesis” raging along the east coast, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic. Motorists who venture out during the Nor’easter should brace themselves for driving into tempestuous side winds, which would buffet them off course and off the road, and into blustery head winds and turbulent tail winds. Drive defensively or stay off the roads until the mercurial storm passes over.
The “Bombogenesis” will drop snow bombs on parts of the East Coast, trigger heavy rains and coastal flooding and spawn dangerous winds. Six years ago a derecho hit the area. In anticipation of the Nor’easter, major airlines are waiving change fees for flights in path of the intense storm. If you are on area roads, keep in mind, trucks, vans, SUVs, and trailers are more vulnerable to high wind gusts, warns AAA Mid-Atlantic, and they could potentially be pushed around or flipped by ferocious winds. Get a grip on it! That is, drivers are advised to firmly grip the steering wheel and keep both hands on the steering wheel, reduce speed, anticipate gusts, avoid distractions. To stay safe and sound, area motorists should also increase the space between your vehicle and other vehicles, especially vans, recreational vehicles and cars pulling trailers, which may be adversely affected by furious winds or fierce gusts, explains AAA Mid-Atlantic.
What is more, “highway overpasses, tunnels and ‘road cuts’ through mountainous areas” can act “as funnels for wind,” advises AAA Mid-Atlantic. Sustained and savage wind speeds or unruly wind gusts could jeopardize life or property. It behooves motorists, motorcyclists, truck drivers, and tractor-box trailer operators traversing the Bay Bridge to constantly monitor, and heed, any traffic advisories and wind restrictions, and the potential for temporary holds issued by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). The state agency is advising “High winds would prevent two-way operations (when one lane of eastbound traffic travels on the westbound span) at the Bay Bridge during Friday’s afternoon rush-hour period.”
Area residents should also prepare for widespread power outages and downed trees and power lines, and traffic signal blackouts. Home owners, property owners, and business owners must batten down the hatches and prepare for wind damage. Typically a property insurance policy covers direct physical damage from a windstorm. Motorists, especially the drivers of high profile vehicles, should brace themselves for travel difficulties. Depending on the size, weight and design of a vehicle, a strong gust of wind can actually push a small car out of its lane. Motorists and homeowners will grapple with the damaging effects of high winds snorting through the greater Washington area overnight Thursday night through night. Motorists are advised to “keep travel speeds down and both hands on the steering wheel during these conditions.”
Tips For Motorists
The weather forecast calls for winds gusting from the Northwest at 25 miles per hour to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. By all means, stay up-to-date on local weather forecasts of damaging winds and reports of changing road conditions. Given the forecast, area drivers must take steps to protect themselves before they travel, and while on the road, to ensure a safe commute.
- Drive during high wind warning conditions only when absolutely necessary. Period. Paragraph.
- Check traffic and weather conditions before heading out.
- If winds are severe, safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road and stop.
- Know your vehicle—light cars, vans and other “boxy” vehicles have a tendency to be blown by strong gusts of wind.
- Keep your eyes peeled for tree limbs and other debris that could be blown into your path.
- Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes.
- Reduce speed. Always wear your seat belt.
- Firmly grip the steering wheel.
- Increase space between your vehicle and others, especially vans, recreational vehicles and cars pulling trailers, all of which could be adversely affected by the wind.
- Remember, gusts of wind can be compounded by busses, trucks and other large vehicles, which can cause an additional, powerful blast of air when passing your vehicle from either direction.
- When possible, allow as much distance as safely available from a "wind- gust" vehicle by hugging the edge of the road.
- Watch for traffic signal blackouts. If traffic signal lights are not working due to power failure, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped. A blacked-out traffic signal works the same as a four-way stop intersection.
Tips for Homeowners
In addition to structural damage to property, the Nor’easter could also slap parts of the East Coast with heavy snow and coastal flooding, which, in turn, could put “more than $468 billion of real estate at risk” to flood waters, according to the Claims Journal. Losses from weather and climate disasters reached a record $306 billion during 2017, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Rest assured, the average or typical homeowner’s insurance policy will cover wind damage caused by a storm.
- Wind Damage - Wind damage to your home, its roof, and other insured buildings on your property, such as a stand-alone garage, would fall under your standard homeowner’s policy. Claims for cars damaged by wind would fall under the comprehensive portion of your auto policy.
- Falling Trees - Trees crashing down onto the roof of your home, another insured building on your property, or a fence can cause damage that may be covered. Removal of the tree may also be covered up to a certain amount, provided it hits a structure or blocks a driveway. It may not be covered if it just falls on the ground. The comprehensive portion of your auto policy could cover cars damaged by fallen trees or branches.
- Food Spoilage - If a power outage caused the contents of your refrigerator or freezer to spoil, it may be covered by your homeowner’s policy.
- Living Expenses - If your home is damaged so severely that you're forced to live elsewhere, your homeowner’s policy may cover reasonable expenses while it is being repaired.
If you sustain wind damage, make sure to document it if you are able to do so safely, advises AAA Insurance. If there is roof damage, let a roofing professional or claims representative photograph it. Cover any broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood to prevent further damage and save receipts to be submitted for reimbursement along with the claims, counsels AAA Insurance.
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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit https://aaa.com
Ragina C. Ali
Public Relations Manager, MD
O: (410) 616-1900 (ext. 4361152)
C: (443) 465-5020
RAli@aaamidatlantic.com