Folks in Virginia, especially in Hampton Roads, tend to scoff at the threat of hurricanes.

It’s an attitude that has prevailed for decades, buoyed by numerous near-misses and storms that didn’t turn out nearly as badly as originally predicted.

And I fact, with only a few exceptions — Isabel and Matthew stand out in most people’s minds — that has been the way things have gone with tropical cyclones in Hampton Roads.

However, the incoming storm, Hurricane Florence, is not one to treat with such a blasé attitude.

Florence is a very powerful Category 4 hurricane and could be even stronger when it strikes the East Coast later this week. Its track puts it on a collision course with this area, and whether the eye of the storm makes landfall farther north in North Carolina, or even down in South Carolina, Hampton Roads will still see significant effects.

A heavy storm surge, significant rainfall and gusting winds will be among the main effects of the storm. Those who live in Zone A, which has received a mandatory evacuation, those who live in other areas that frequently flood and those who live in mobile homes should be taking measures to get to safer shelter as soon as possible.

Folks also should stay put wherever they are during the storm and not go out driving in the midst of the high wind and torrential rainfall. People are also encouraged to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering high water across a roadway.

People who ignore the advice of all the local, regional, state and federal officials urging them not to put themselves in harm’s way run the risk of not surviving this storm. They also are likely to have to call for rescue, which in turn puts our first responders in harm’s way.

Don’t let the storm’s track fool you. Regardless of where it goes at this point, Hampton Roads will see serious effects from this storm. Be prepared.