Here is the latest from Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge
with the National Weather Service in Wakefield.
Visit here
for his supporting graphic materials.
"Hurricane Matthew
was located just northeast of Charleston SC continuing to move NNE at
12 mph riding along the SC coast. The forecast track of the storm and
impacts to NC and VA remain unchanged. Steady rain falling along and west of
I-95 this morning will shift east through the afternoon locking in over Eastern
VA and Eastern NC by late afternoon and lasting into the overnight.
Rainfall totals have
been increased slightly and pear wind gusts of 40 to near 50 mph are still
expected late tonight into Sunday. Tidal flooding still looks to increase some
Sunday into Monday with Moderate flooding expected. The greatest impacts to
eastern VA and NC are still to come as rain moves in later today and winds
increase tonight. We anticipate flooding from the rainfall later this
evening and overnight in addition to downed trees and some power outages
overnight into Sunday.”
There are issues uploading the hourly graph; however, you can go to http://forecast.weather.gov/gridpoint.php?site=akq&TypeDefault=graphical and click on Norfolk. While scattered showers should be expected at
any time, the likelihood (w/ heavy rainfall) increases significantly this afternoon
through Sunday afternoon. The hourly
graph in addition to the rain forecast graphic (available at http://www.weather.gov/akq/Brief) shows ~4” for Norfolk during
those 24 hours.
Hourly graph also shows winds picking up this evening with
wind gusts in the 40mph range until Sunday evening. Again, with the saturated soils and the
duration of this wind event, downed trees, power lines and power outages are
expected.
The Tide chart for Sewell’s Point located at http://www.weather.gov/akq/SewellsPoint shows an increase
in high tides for the weekend. Specifically,
the Sat/Sun 3:09am high tide is forecasted to reach the 5.0’ minor flood stage
and the Sunday 3:45pm high tide may reach 5.2’, approaching the moderate flood
stage. Flooding will occur a few hours
before and after these peak tide times.
Again, for a visual on how this might look at your points of interest, go to our TITAN program at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/TITAN/HOME.aspx. For
the Flood Layer enter one foot LESS than what is forecasted on the chart (this
takes into account the conversion from MLLW to NAVD88 resulting in a more
accurate picture). In other words, with
a forecast of 5.5’ on the tide chart, go with 4.5’ in TITAN.
Team Norfolk’s
readiness posture and messaging remains the same. Norfolk EOC remain at increased readiness and will
maintain a virtual presence. Libraries
and Recreation Centers remain open as scheduled. Norfolk Public Works crews are operational
both today and tomorrow maintaining and otherwise tracking pump stations, storm
drains and roads.
Parking safe havens are available at the York St. Garage
and numerous Norfolk Public Schools (to be posted at Norfolk.gov). While current conditions do not warrant
emergency sheltering, staff and facilities are on stand-by should Matthew’s
track make an unexpected change.
Messaging is as follows:
-
Individuals who
experience downed trees can call and report to our Non-Emergency number: (757) 441-5610
- Power outages
should be communicated to Dominion Virginia Power at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-43571)
- If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY and
report it to Dominion at the aforementioned number.
- If you experience an outage and rely on a
mobile generator, be sure to keep it in a well-ventilated space!! (i.e.
not indoors, not in garage)
- If you experience an outage, I have attached
some great information below on food spoilage.
- DO NOT DRIVE OR
PLAY IN FLOOD WATERS!!!!!
- Please report
information using our STORM Mobile tool at http://stormmobile.norfolk.gov/stormmobile/.
Thanks, everyone!
Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
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