During heavy thunderstorms power outages can occur. These power outages often affect the traffic lights at intersections throughout the City causing them to be inoperative or revert to a flashing yellow or red mode. Summerville Police Chief Stan Mosley wants to remind drivers that when they come upon a traffic signal that is not operating properly that the following rules apply:

• At an intersection with an inoperative traffic light, drivers are required to stop in the same manner as if a stop sign were facing in each direction at the intersection. (In other words, treat the intersection as being a four-way stop.)

• At an intersection where a traffic signal is flashing red, drivers are required to stop as if at a stop sign.

• At an intersection where a traffic signal is flashing yellow, drivers may proceed through the intersection with caution.

As always, during heavy thunderstorms and during the aftermath of severe storms, only travel on the roadways when it is necessary and safe to do so.