RALEIGH -- The State Department of Transportation is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Andrea and preparing for possible effects of the storm, which is forecast to impact eastern and central North Carolina over the next few days. With the possibility of heavy rain, we urge everyone to use caution and stay informed of changing travel conditions.

Current Preparations

Highways. Across the state, NCDOT crews are monitoring weather conditions, checking equipment and clearing debris from roadway drains. They will remain on stand-by should flooding or other transportation issues arise.

Ferries. At this point, no delays or suspensions have been announced on North Carolina’s ferries, but the N.C. Ferry Division will continue to monitor weather conditions closely. Ferry captains will make decisions to suspend service if necessary, depending on weather conditions.

State Ports. The N.C. State Ports Authority is also monitoring conditions at the ports in Wilmington and Morehead City. Crews are completing minor preparations as the storm approaches.

 Updates for Travelers

 NCDOT has many ways to help people stay engaged and informed before, during and after a storm. For the latest news and updates, visit www.ncdot.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and other social media including Flickr and YouTube.

 For those without Internet access, updated travel information is available toll-free over the phone by dialing 511.

 Safety Tips

During a storm, as always, safety is NCDOT’s top priority for both its crews and travelers. NCDOT has posted a video with important safety tips.

 Safety Tips for Drivers

• Allow more travel time.

• Reduce your speed by at least five to 10 miles per hour and allow at least twice the normal following distance.

• Avoid driving through flooded areas, even if they seem shallow. Just one foot of water can float many vehicles, while two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and pick-ups.

• If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner without stomping and steer in the direction of the skid. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.

• If the rain is extremely heavy, pull over in a safe area in a parking lot or on the roadside with your emergency flashers on, away from any trees or other tall objects, and wait for the weather to improve.

• Signal for turns ahead of time and brake early as you near a stop. Remember, roads are slickest in the first 10 to 15 minutes, especially if it has not rained for a while.

• If a traffic signal is knocked out by a storm, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way and after signaling, may move in any direction. If two facing vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, any car traveling straight ahead or turning right has the right of way.