Rain, wind and cold temperatures didn't stop some Christmas shoppers out and about in Bristol, Virginia Thursday. It didn't stop the holiday travelers either. We met a couple heading to Canada, preparing to hit some cold weather, “Rain all the way up the East coast as far as we know, so we're hoping to make it all the way to New Brunswick before it snows," says Bob Henderson and Vickie Poirier.

Some people are heading south for the winter, but not this couple. They’re going from Florida, home to Canada, and like many travelers they're watching the forecast along the way, “Take your time. If you've got to slow down, slow down. If you've got to stop for the night, stop. It's not worth risking your life," they add.

It's driving advice Virginia State Police is reminding drivers about, “Reduce your speed and increase your distance if you are following someone. Those are always good measures to go by, even when the pavement is dry,” adds 1^st Sgt. M.R. Willis.

If high winds knock out power, BVU is ready, “We have a crew waiting 24/7, 365 so it doesn't matter if it's raining, snowing, or a blizzard out there, we're going to do our best to have a crew in the field to handle any emergencies necessary," says BVU Marketing Director, Sharon Kyser.

Preparations are together incase crews are needed and police say they're ready to field a lot of calls, “Calls always increase when the weather turns bad," adds Willis.

If your power does go out call your power company. Do not call 911 in case of a power outage.