Hurricane Matthew Update 9-30-16 @ 1130

All,

11am updated dashboard received from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  Note: Matthew is now a major hurricane at CAT-3.

Jim

Hurricane Matthew 9-30-16 at 0945

Team,

Hot off the press from Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge for NWS Wakefield:

 “Wanted to pass along short summary you can share with others providing some highlights and online resources for folks to use to track the progress of Matthew and to help set the tone. Bottom line is there is still much uncertainty regarding how fast Matthew will turn north and move into the Bahamas. The timing of this turn and speed of its forward motion once it turns will play a big role in how close the storm comes to the southeast US. 

In the near term, Minor to Moderate coastal/tidal flooding is expected through today with Minor flooding lingering into the weekend. Tides should slowly start to come down later Saturday and Sunday, but will remain above normal. 

Another disturbance will move across the entire area late this afternoon through the overnight resulting in areas of showers and storms. With already saturated ground, flooding is possible. 

Please keep up with the latest using the online briefing resources provided in the briefing.”

Jeff’s NOAA/NWS attachments are provided below.

 

The attached dashboard for Hurricane Matthew was sent by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and provided for your review.  I’ve also included the track data from the HURREVAC program.  Like Jeff reported, they show Matthew still south of us on Wednesday, and like any forecast outside of 36 hours, a cone of uncertainty which may have the storm move along the coast or head out to the Atlantic.

As for the weekend, 30-40% chance of rain with minimal accumulation between now and noon tomorrow (Saturday), when the probably dips to the mid- to lower 20’s, and then mid- to lower teens Sunday around 2pm. 

We are under a Coastal Flood Advisory until 2am Saturday morning.  This is reflected in the attached tide chart; however, the heights for the next couple of high tides are not forecasted to reach that of this morning’s high tide (occurring at this moment) or last evening’s high tide.  As we have seen before (and since last’s night’s forecast), this is subject to change.

We saw Hurricane Sandy in 2012 take a northward approach from the islands, and as stated in the VDEM dashboard below, Matthew is on a similar track to Hazel in 1954.  As such, Norfolk EOC will maintain a leaning-forward posture, preparing as if Matthew will in fact head toward us.  There will be no storm-related conference calls scheduled over the weekend; nonetheless, please use this time to review action items with your internal teams.

Thank you!

Jim

Director, Norfolk EOC

Weather Message: Tropical Storm Matthew and Near-Term Forecast 9-28-16 @ 2:25pm

All,

Provided below is a message received from Bill Sammler, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

"We have created an overview Briefing web page for TS Mathew. Here is the link: http://www.weather.gov/akq/Matthew. I am sure, given the amount of media coverage Matthew is already getting, you have some questions running through your head. Let me try to address a few I suspect you have in this e-mail.
1). Could Matthew directly affect the Mid-Atlantic region? Yes, but not until at least midweek next week.
2). How much confidence is there in the track of Matthew beyond the NHC 5 day forecast? Very little. There is a lot of uncertainty after Saturday regarding the track and intensity of Matthew, with 2 of the most reliable forecast models being more than 2000 miles apart with their position at the same time from last night's forecast run. In addition, from the 11 am NHC discussion: "After that time (72 hours), the tropical cyclone will be approaching the western portion of the ridge and a northwestward turn is expected, although there are significant differences among the track models as to when the turn takes place and how sharp it will be.  The GFS takes the cyclone northwestward much faster than the ECMWF with more troughing developing over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  For now, the NHC track lies near a consensus of the faster GFS and slower ECMWF."
3). From a planning perspective, keep a close eye on the NHC forecast over the next few days, and be especially attuned to changes in that forecast. A great way to do that in HURREVAC is to overlay the last 3 or 6 forecasts. This will allow you to visualize the trends, if any, in the NHC official forecast.
4). Do not focus on any single model solution, or rumors regarding said model(s). We highly recommend focusing on the NHC forecast/trends, which will simplify your planning mindset regarding Matthew."

Bill provided additional information pertaining to rainfall; however, the focus was outside of Norfolk and the immediate area.  Nonetheless, the other half of his message is provided below followed by our hourly graphic which shows rain likely beginning around midnight and lasting throughout the day and evening.  Rainfall accumulation should be minimal, half an inch over that time period.

Thanks!!

Jim Redick
Director, Norfolk EOC


NEAR TERM Weather - A slight risk of severe thunderstorms/isolated tornadoes exists through this afternoon/evening for much of our area west of the Chesapeake Bay. No severe thunderstorm or tornado watches are currently in effect. However, the potential exists through this evening. In addition, another multi-day heavy rain event is in store through Friday. At this time, the focus for the heavy rainfall west and north of the area that received the flooding rains last week. In general this is along and west of the I-95 corridor and north of I-64, where 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected. However, as with last week's rain, higher amounts will be possible. Some significant rainfall is also possible, and has already occurred, over portions of the Lower Maryland Eastern Shore, mainly along and west of Rt. 13.  Lighter amounts, generally an inch or less, are anticipated across southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, where flooding rains occurred last week.
Our Severe Thunderstorm page will help you keep track of the severe weather potential, while our Rain and Snow Forecasts page will provide you with updated rainfall forecasts. In addition, for those of you in the EM/first responder community who have not subscribed to iNWS for watch/warning information, now would be a good time to do so.

Weather Update 9-22-16 at 0715

Good morning,

Since yesterday evening’s update, we witnessed the significant difference between the terms forecast and observation.  Forecasts are made based on imperfect data and ever-changing conditions.  Observations are just that – conditions which are actually seen.  As stated by Tom Knutson of NOAA/Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory and Robert Tuleya of ODU’s Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography: “If we had observations of the future, we obviously would trust them more than models, but unfortunately… observations of the future are not available at this time.”  In other words, forecasts are always subject to change!

Last night far exceed the half inch of rain forecasted in the hourly graph.  Fortunately the infrastructure has been doing well receiving and moving that water and with the exception of the usual trouble areas (i.e. 4^th View), there have been no reports of significant flooding on the roadways.  This includes the Tidewater underpass just south of Lindenwood Ave which had been temporarily closed yesterday due to an electrical issue with one of the pumps.  Pump crew responded quickly and corrected the issue.  We currently stand at an around a 40-50% percent chance of rain throughout the day with a fraction of an inch expected.  Furthermore, the expected high tide at 2:30pm this afternoon is 4.1’ – short of the Minor flood stage of 4.5’ but may still cause pockets of flooding on some of the usual trouble spots.  All conditions normal today and the evening commute should not be impacted.

Unless conditions change (again…), this should be the last update related to this weather system.

This update will also be sent to ALLEXCHANGE and our Team Norfolk partners.

Thank you and have a great day!

Jim

 

 

 

Weather Update 9-21-16 at 9:15pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Rain is likely to continue sporadically between now and the (Thursday) morning hours.  Total accumulation is expected around 0.5”.  In other words, precipitation should be a non-issue for the morning commute.   In addition, I do not expect any flood waters to impact the commute.  

Tomorrow's high tide is expected around 2:30 p.m.  There may be pockets of flooding around that time; however, it will be minimal and certainly no more than we typically experience during a lunar high tide. Minor impacts to the afternoon commute.  

Currently, the Tidewater underpass just south of Lindenwood Ave is closed due to an electrical issue with one of the pumps.  Two remaining pumps are working but the extra ground water is making it difficult to keep the underpass dry right now.  Crews will open the area once the water is pumped down. 

There were a couple reports of downed trees today to which RPOS crews responded immediately and resolved the situation.

Trash was collected in a majority of neighborhoods on Wednesday's route.  There is a small area in the Bayview section that was not picked up.  A dedicated truck will return in the morning to collect any missed cans. 

Normal city operations set for Thursday including regularly scheduled refuse collection.

Thank you!

Jim

Weather Message UPDATE 9-21-16 at 4pm

Team,

Please see important update below from Jeff Orrock of the National Weather Service:

Wanted to touch base with everyone this afternoon. The rainfall across northeast NC and southeast VA has not been able to break up this afternoon and in fact is starting to expand in coverage again across northeast NC and the Tidewater. Rainfall totals thus far range from 6 to over 12 inches of rain since Monday in locations near Edenton as well as across much of Hampton Roads. 

The bad news, it appears the trend for ongoing rainfall will persist through this evening and into the early morning hours. Locations from Isle of Wight, Franklin and Suffolk east across Hampton Roads could pick up an additional one to two inches of rain (or more). It is difficult to say where exactly the highest amounts will occur, but they are most likely across Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, Norfolk and Portsmouth. In NC the heaviest rainfall looks to continue west of Elizabeth City impacting Chowan, Perquimians, Hertford, Gates and Bertie counties. Flooding is expected to continue through the evening and overnight. Some areas where waters have receded could again see flooding in addition to new areas which may flood from the additional rainfall. 

In summary, an additional one to two inches of rain (with some isolated higher amounts) can be expected through midnight and into the early morning hours. Flooding may redevelop in some areas and extend into new areas especially across the Tidewater and northeast NC from Edenton north and west. It appears rainfall may become more scattered in nature on Thursday hopefully allowing flood waters to recede some. [Flood Concern attachment provided below]

Hourly graph provided for your review which shows ~ .5” of rain between now and midnight.

Good news is no weather-related calls.  Also, high tide did not reach the level forecasted and is also well in decline (attached).

While the rain continues, flooding should not play a role in impacting the evening commute.  Nonetheless, please drive safely!

Sincerely,

Jim

 

 

Weather Message UPDATE 9-21-16 @ 1050

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Just a quick note to let you know what we're seeing and expecting from the Emergency Operations Center.

 

We’ve been monitor this latest tropical system for days and the impacts we saw this morning were expected.  The region received approximately 4-5 inches of rain yesterday (9-12" since Monday).  The good news is the worst of the rainfall is over.   We may experience some minor flooding during this afternoon’s high tide scheduled for 1:58pm.  As a reminder, water starts to rise about an hour before and may take an hour to recede.  With the wind pushing the water upstream, the floodwaters may not recede as quickly.   Good news is the flooding will not be as severe as we saw during the last tropical storm and roads should be clear by afternoon rush hour. 

  

Public Works crews have been working to clear storm drains and ditches so the water flows with ease.   Trash collection will take place as scheduled.   If a truck cannot get down the road in the morning, crews will go back in the afternoon to pick-up.

  

Chance of rain tomorrow (Thursday) morning is around 30% with minimal accumulation.  Similar tidal flooding expected tomorrow afternoon, but not to the degree we expect today.

 

We continue to monitor the weather and if anything changes, we will let you know.

Thank you!

Jim

Weather Message 9-21-16

Team,

Based on the NWS observed precipitation levels at http://water.weather.gov/precip/, Norfolk has received upward of 4” of rain.  Another inch is possible between now and 11am.  At the same time, high tide reaching into the minor flood stage at 4.7’ is scheduled for 1:53pm which will cause pockets of flooding throughout the city.  (For context, the highest tide associated with the recent storm, Hermine, was 6.16’.  Flood gates begin close with tide forecasts over 5’).  According to the tide chart, this will repeat on Thursday with the 2:54pm high tide.  Tide chart available at http://www.weather.gov/akq/SewellsPoint.

 

More to come.

 

Norfolk Alert also to go out to those who subscribe. 

 

Thanks!

Jim Redick

EOC Director

 

Hermine - FINAL UPDATE - 9-4-16 at 1050

Team –

Great news!  I have attached the latest graph which shows a very encouraging decline in the tides!

Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service reports the following:

Tropical Storm Warnings have been dropped for the Bay and will be dropped south of Cape Charles by 11 am. Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for the Bay and rivers due to continued Minor tidal flooding though the next one to two high tide cycles. 

Hermine will stall and slowly intensify off the Demarva shifting to the west some later today and tonight. Expect winds along the Eastern Shore of VA and MD to increase some tonight into Monday morning. Wind gusts up to 30 to 40 mph may return in coastal areas from Chincoteague north late tonight and Monday morning. Tidal flooding along the Eastern Shore of VA and MD could reach moderate flood levels. 

Briefing summaries for inland areas of VA have been discontinued as there are no impacts expected inland from the Bay. 

Safety message: With the rainfall finished, I forward a message from our friends at Norfolk Public Health to help prevent Zika: Tip, Toss and Cover!  Tip over standing water from containers, toss unused containers which could hold water and cover up containers as well as yourself with appropriate clothing and EPA registered repellent.  Check out and share video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY1MygNhZ5E.

Unless conditions change, this is the final update.  Please send any information regarding storm-related damages as well as accomplishments, lessons learned and pictures to james.redick@norfolk.gov so a more complete after action report can be developed.

With that, thank you again to everybody for such an incredible response effort!  Enjoy the rest of the weekend!  Go Spartans!  Go Monarchs!  And GO TEAM NORFOLK!!!

Sincerely,

Jim

 

 

 

Hermine Update 9-4-16 at 9:15am

Team Norfolk,

 

Here's the latest for Norfolk regarding a storm update.

Allow Extra Time for Travel Sunday 

The high tide we saw around 11am Saturday is what we can expect Sunday at 11:47am (see attached).  Keep in mind, the water starts to build two hours before and takes about two hours to recede.  So you can expect flooded roadways between 10:30am and 2:30pm Sunday.

If you’re heading to worship services today, plan extra travel time.

 

No Flooding Issues Reported

 

As of 8am Public Works has no flooding issues outstanding. 

 

While there may have been some coastal flooding from the tide, it was not as severe as forecasted.

Today's Forecast

Breezy with steady winds around 20mph and gusts in the low 30's along with temps in the 70's.

 

Public Works pump crew will be out throughout the day today checking equipment and locations throughout the city.  In addition, street sweeping continues for the high traffic roads.  We will take appropriate steps to keep the public informed of travel conditions.  

 

Lastly the city is in contact with  NSU, ODU  sharing information and providing reports for their football games rescheduled to Sunday.  

Parking Hours Extended 

We're extending storm parking hours to 6pm Sunday because of the morning high tide.  

 

Parking hours at the York Street Garage and select parking lots is being extended from 12p Sunday to 6pm Sunday.

 

As a reminder, residents may park their vehicles at these lots:

* Pretlow Anchor Branch Library – 111 W. Ocean View Ave.

* Community Beach Park – 700 E. Ocean View Ave.

* Crossroads School – 8021 Old Ocean View Road

* Granby High School – 7101 Granby Street

* Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.

* Willard Model School – 1511 Willow Wood Drive

* Poplar Hall School - 5523 Pebble Lane

574 homes without Power

Currently 574 Dominion customers (out of 97,004) are without power. 

We will continue to monitor Hermine's movements and let you know what to expect Monday.

For storm updates, please continue encouraging folks to check out Norfolk.gov, Norfolk Facebook/Twitter and sign up for Norfolk Alerts. 

 

Thanks, everyone!

 

Jim

 

 

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 9:45pm

Team,

 

As we have successfully responded and rebounded all that Hermine has given so far, it is important to know what else to expect tonight (Saturday) and tomorrow.

 

The high tide we saw around 11am Saturday is what we can expect tonight around midnight and Sunday at 11am.  Keep in mind, the water starts to build two hours before and takes about two hours to recede.  So you can expect flooded roadways between 10pm and 2am tonight and 10am and 2pm Sunday.

 

If you’re heading to worship services tomorrow, plan extra travel time due to flooded roads.

 

We will continue to monitor Hermine’s movements and let you know what to expect Monday.

 

In light of tomorrow’s high tide, we’re extending the parking hours at the York Street Garage and select parking lots from 12p Sunday to 6pm Sunday. 

As a reminder, residents may park their vehicles at these lots:
* Pretlow Anchor Branch Library – 111 W. Ocean View Ave.

* Community Beach Park – 700 E. Ocean View Ave.

* Crossroads School – 8021 Old Ocean View Road

* Granby High School – 7101 Granby Street

* Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.

* Willard Model School – 1511 Willow Wood Drive

* Poplar Hall School - 5523 Pebble Lane

 

Our crews will be out throughout the day tomorrow monitoring conditions and taking appropriate steps to keep the public informed of travel conditions.  Public Works and Norfolk Police are coordinating to remove any barriers/cones blocking roads as soon as flood waters recede. Lastly the city is in contact with Norfolk State and Old Dominion sharing information and providing support for their football games Sunday.

For storm updates, check out Norfolk.gov, Norfolk Facebook/Twitter and sign up for Norfolk Alerts.  

 

Thank you!

Jim

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 4:45 - National Weather Service Report

From Bill Sammler of the National Weather Service:

No significant changes to our previous thinking regarding Hermine and its impacts. Rainfall has subsided significantly since this morning, with only minor amounts expected this evening/overnight. No additional rainfall flooding is anticipated at this time, although another band of significant rain spiraling around Hermine may move across much of the area late Sunday night/Monday. Winds will continue subsiding overnight, but remain gusty, especially near the Bay/Ocean. Coastal flooding remains a concern, especially oceanside areas of the VA/MD Eastern Shore, where moderate to severe flooding will be possible. This concern will persist through Monday. The upcoming high tide in southside Hampton Roads/Peninsula/coastal Currituck could rival that of this morning, with gradually decreasing water levels thereafter. However, minor coastal flooding could persist all areas Bay/Ocean into Monday.

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 4:30pm - Response Update

All,

I wanted to share with you the latest update from Pete Garner of Norfolk Public Works:

“Crews started assisting with Spartan Village cleanup once the waters receded around 3pm.   Hand crews removed large debris from roadways while street sweepers began sweeping at about 1:45pm.

High Water signs have been removed from Brambleton Ave and Park Ave and Park Avenue and Virginia Beach Blvd.

Signs and cones have been placed at Onley and Boush St., Llewellyn and Virginia Beach Blvd, Between Virginia Beach Blvd and Princess Ann on Monticello Ave.

 East Ocean View (upper Bay Streets and Pleasant Ave), Hampton Blvd (near the Lafayette River bridge), both ends of the Hague are still experiencing minor tidal flooding as we approach low tide between 4-5pm. 

All underpasses are passable.

Street sweepers will begin sweeping main arterials after Spartan Village area has been completed today and will be in tomorrow cleaning up the arterials.

Both 6’’ pumps at Ohio Creek are running.

4^th View is clear East and Westbound. Southbound is going down as the tide recedes, 15^th View clear, Captain Quarters clear, Glencove clear.

Nauticus main gate, Pedestrian gate, and Brooke Ave gate are still closed”

 Ladies and gentlemen, sadly it too often goes unsaid what great work the men and women of Public Works, Public Safety, Human Services, GIS, and so many others whether uniformed or in civilian clothes, on a school campus , an installation or house of worship, regardless of public sector, private sector or non-profit, indeed all who make up Team Norfolk, do to prepare for, respond to and recovery from an incident.  In fact, were it not for everyone’s commitment, coordination, motivation and dedication we would not rebound so quickly from whatever comes our way.  We are truly a blessed community.

Lastly, I respectfully request information.  At your convenience, I would be interested in collecting any lessons learned you're willing to share while its still fresh.  What went right during the storm?  What can be improved?  By discussing, addressing and implementing such strategies is the only way we can improve.  Also, please feel free to send any damage information or pictures you may have captured of the storm’s impact as well as any response efforts.  They can be sent to me at james.redick@norfolk.gov where I will aggregate and make available to all and include in the forthcoming after action report.

Thank you, Team Norfolk!

Sincerely,

Jim

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 1:30pm

Team,

A busy day it has been!  To offer some relief, please see the attached hourly graph which shows a downward trend in both rain and winds.  Gusts in the low to mid-30’s are expected to remain between now and Monday, which is quite favorable to what we’ve been experiencing in the 50mph range.  Furthermore, the worst of the rain is past.  More is likely between now and 5pm but accumulation is minimal – less than an inch between now and the rest of the weekend.

Now for the more sobering news.  We’re not out of the woods yet as it pertains to coastal flooding.  Based on the attached tide chart, we are past the high tide which did not see the 6.7 level as predicted, and it still caused the significant flooding we saw in the roadways.  And the next high tide around midnight tonight may be quite similar.  We can take solace in the fact there shouldn’t be many motorists on the roads around that time, but there will be some.  This is a rather new development; we will monitor this closely and keep you apprised of any updates.

As it pertains to power outages, Dominion has been doing great work, most recently reporting 3,636 out of 97,004 customers without power (see attached).  There have also been several reports of flooded streets, downed or damaged trees and downed power lines.

One area of the city, Spartan Village, experienced more flooding than it should have.  The pumps at Ohio Creek were in place and checked beforehand, but debris, garbage and even a football served to block and impeded their ability to move the water.  As a consequence, Spartan Village and the VB Blvd/Park intersection were flooded.  Crews moved quickly to remedy the issue and get the pumps operating again.  Moreover, Directors James Rogers (Community Development) and David Ricks(Public Works) and others kept constant communication with Civic League leadership and residents in the area.  Lastly, in partnership with Dr. Houston and Gethsemane Fellowship Church, the American Red Cross and Operation Blessing along with Norfolk Human Services, Police and Fire-Rescue, we opened a shelter for those interested - a true and successful test of what Norfolk's Operation Brother's Keeper program is all about.  Despite many offers, as the water never entered any of the homes, there was no interest  among the residents in going to a shelter.

Messaging continues to go out by all means available and the recommendations remain the same with the addition of two more.  Along with noting driving or playing in flood waters and keeping away from downed power lines, we must emphasize the importance of keeping storm drains clear.  Also, there is one more important message coming from Fire Chief Wise in dealing with the use of generators, propane stoves and candles and carbon monoxide. Often when people lose electricity they revert to those means to have electricity or cook and they don't think about carbon monoxide. Generators and cooking grills should always be used outside. Likewise, in some homes with downed trees, gas lines could be ruptured and thus candles should not be used.

Thanks for everyone's continued efforts, coordination and support for our resilient Team and Community!!

Sincerely,

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 7:20am

Team,

From Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service:

Tropical Storm Hermine is on track and forecasts remain generally unchanged. Hampton Roads is headed into the the first of 2 high tide cycles which will remain major / severe flooding. Winds gusting to 40 to 50 mph along the coast and lower Bay will persist through the morning and into the afternoon. Wind speeds will likely increase some through late morning and early afternoon. 

The storm is still forecast to move northeast off the VA coast and stall or even move back towards the coast coming within 100 miles of Eastern Shore and MD. This would result in prolonged flooding and winds along the Eastern Shore north to Ocean City. Major / Severe flooding is possible from Wachapreague and Chincoteague north to Ocean City Sunday.

Attached is out latest briefing summary along with a map of observed rainfall as of 7 am this morning. 

 

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 5am

Good morning, Team Norfolk,

As of 4:30am this morning, Norfolk has observed around 1.5” of rain with 4” more expected between now and 5pm this evening.  While there is some flooded already, we have been in the low tide cycle and thus much more flooding should be expected with high tide scheduled for around 11am. 

Per the attached tide chart, high tide is still forecasted to be around 6.6’, around the major flood stage.  Remember, you can get a view of how this might look in Norfolk’s TITAN program at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/TITAN (for the appropriate conversion, use 1-1.5’ less in the flood layer than what is displayed in the tide chart.  With a forecast of 6.6’, select 5.5’ or 5’ in the TITAN flood layer).  Pump station and storm water crews are working 12-hour shifts for as long as necessary in response.

As you are likely well aware, the winds with gusts upwards of 50mph are here with high winds remaining throughout the day and tomorrow (Sunday) morning.  See hourly graph.

There have been reports received of downed or damaged trees and downed lines - approximately 4-5 of each.  Map of these reported incidents available in our STORM Map at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/stormmap.  Note: we are testing a new capability called STORM Mobile.  If you are willing to participate, please go to http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/stormmobile.  You will be able to submit reports of issues/damages as well which will be reviewed by either the Emergency Operations Center or the Norfolk Cares IMPACT Center and then entered into the STORM program (and ultimately reflected in the Storm Map).   To learn more about it, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSDYnkXTcYs&feature=youtu.be.

Dominion reports 1,060 out of 97,004 customers affected (1.09%).

Key messages: STAY SAFE!!  Do not drive in flood waters and do not let your children play in flood waters!!  Also stay connected by monitoring Norfolk.gov, Norfolk’s social media and register for Norfolk Alert!!  Registration for Norfolk Alert is particularly important with the threat of isolated tornados associated with this storm.  If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you!

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-2-16 at 8:30pm

Team Norfolk:

Here is an update from Mike Dutter of the National Weather Service:

“Attached is the updated briefing for Hermine. We are gaining confidence on a long duration coastal flooding event unfolding for the lower Chesapeake Bay and the ocean side of the eastern Shore of VA and MD. It is quite possible that major coastal flooding will occur in the Hampton Roads area during Saturday's high tide cycle, with continued flooding through Labor Day. In addition, major coastal flooding is possible along the ocean side of the Eastern Shore , especially Saturday Night right through Monday as Hermine stalls just offshore. Much of the water level forecast relies on the exact track of Hermine, and where the storm stalls offshore. 

The next update will occur Saturday morning.”

Attached for your reviews is the aforementioned NWS 1-pager as well as the most current storm track, hourly graph, rainfall forecast and tide graph – all of which are showing consistency with previous forecasts.

We will observe conditions in the morning and also await the NWS morning update, forwarding you the latest as quickly as possible.  Likewise, please report any issues or concerns to us in the Norfolk Emergency Operations Center at james.redick@norfolk.gov.

 

Thanks!

 

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-2-16 at 4:30pm

Team Norfolk:

The 4pm updated hot off the press from the National Weather Service:

Please see the attached summary for TS Hermine. There have only been subtle changes to the forecast with the primary impacts being high winds, coastal flooding and heavy rain. Severe / Major flooding from storm surge is expected across the lower Bay (Hampton Roads), rivers, VA Beach and Outer Banks during the 2 high tide cycles Saturday. A Storm Surge Warning is being issued for these areas. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the east coast of Eastern Shore and MD. 

The primary impacts for southeast VA and northeast NC will occur all day Saturday into Saturday evening. Along the Eastern Shore of VA and MD Eastern Shore winds and surge will last through Sunday. Water levels along the VA Eastern Shore and MD coast will peak on Sunday resulting in Major / Severe flooding. 

NWS attachment modified as to be able to post in this forum... Also attached is the latest tidal forecast and hourly graph, but as stated by the NWS, there is not much change from before.

Response Update: Brooke Ave and Nauticus Pedestrian flood gates were closed this afternoon as well as Mason Creek and Ohio Creek.  "Street Flooded" signs have been flipped down. Crews have worked hot spots and opened blocked storm drains throughout the day. 

Pumps station crews will be on continuous 12-hour shifts starting tonight at 10pm until no longer needed.

Storm water crews will be working 7am-7pm Saturday.

 

Facility Closures: All Norfolk Recreation Centers, Public Libraries, including Slover Library, the Virginia Zoo and Nauticus will be closed on Saturday, September 3^rd.

 

Our messaging to our staff and community is as follows:

As the outer bands of the storm draw nearer, we’ll see an increase in rains and winds this evening.  By 6-7pm we should start seeing the rain, and by 3am, sustained winds will increase to the mid-30’s with gusts approaching 50mph.  Please secure any loose items around your home before going to bed!

By 11am, we are forecasted to have experienced 3-4” of rain with more on the way.  11am is also when the highest tide of this storm is supposed to peak.  There will be flooding in and around Norfolk, particularly between the hours of 9am-1pm.  If you live in a low-lying area vulnerable to surge flooding, you may park your vehicle(s) at any of the following locations:

·       York Street Garage located at 215 W. York Street.  The garage will open at 6:00 p.m. today.  Vehicles must be removed by 12:00 p.m. Sunday, September 4^th.  

      ·       Pretlow Anchor Branch Library – 111 W. Ocean View Ave.
      ·       Community Beach Park – 700 E. Ocean View Ave.
      ·       Crossroads School – 8021 Old Ocean View Road
      ·       Granby High School – 7101 Granby Street
      ·       Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
      ·       Willard Model School – 1511 Willow Wood Drive
      ·       Poplar Hall School - 5523 Pebble Lane

Also, everyone is encouraged to stay off the roads during this time!  Many drivers fell victim to last October’s storm; don’t be another.  It is also important to remind your children not to play in the flood waters due to potential of bacteria!

While the water is currently expected to recede after the 11am high tide, the high winds are expected to continue throughout Saturday night until around 6-7am Sunday morning.  There is a chance of rain though Sunday into Monday, but with little accumulation.
 

Remember to remain informed throughout by visiting Norfolk.gov, viewing TV48, checking Norfolk’s social media and registering for Norfolk Alert!

Thanks to everyone for your hard work and coordination!  Let's have a safe weekend and Go Team Norfolk!!!

Jim