Storm Update 10-8-16 @ 9:45pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This will be brief.

We experienced much more rainfall and a much shorter time span than was forecasted.  Still more rain – another 4-5” – is expected through the night. The ground is saturated and the water has nowhere to go but up.  High tide will occur at 3:09am which will cause more widespread flooding.  Our 911 center is already experiencing a high call volume.

Team Norfolk maintained an elevated state of readiness, and as such, were able to adjust and open a shelter in record time.  A shelter is now open at Norview HS.  Residents are asked to bring personal items, sleeping bags, blankets and snacks.  Pets are welcome. Owners must bring pet carriers and food for your pet.  Owners must remain on-site with their pet at all times.  Those requesting transportation to the shelter should call (757) 441-5610.

Citizens are asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.  Heavy rains are flooding streets around the City.  The same floodwaters may delay firefighters response to stranded drivers. 

In addition to the York Street Parking Garage, the City has opened Freemason Street Garage, 161 West Freemason Street and Bank Street Garage, 441 Bank Street for free, dry parking.  Residents must move their vehicles by noon on Monday, October 10th.

A message to all is to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.  For our partners in the faith community and others with activities schedule for the morning, a modification is strongly encouraged. 

Important phone numbers:

To report downed trees, call Norfolk non-emergency number (757) 441-5610

For power outages and downed power lines, call Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
For storm-related updates, go to www.norfolk.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorfolkVA or Twitter @NorfolkVA 

Thanks!

Jim

Director, Norfolk EOC
James.redick@norfolk.gov