Patriots Day Movie - Lessons Learned 1-26-17

I recently had the opportunity to see the movie, Patriots Day which tells the story of April 15, 2013 Boston bombing, the investigation and pursuit of those who perpetrated the attack.  From the perspective of a casual viewer, it was an excellent film depicting the dedicated professionals who protect the homeland and resilience of a community during a painful and confusing time.  Of course, I’m not a casual observer…  My infliction as an emergency manager has me jotting down notes in every book I read or movie I see which could serve to improve our community’s emergency operations plans.  Obviously books and movies are not my primary means for planning material; there are numerous reports, studies, templates, guides and so forth we utilize.  Books and movies, however, add to the effort and otherwise assist in preventing a ‘failure of imagination’ as referenced in the 9/11 Commission Report.  (While the reference is made regarding intelligence efforts, it is equally applicable to anticipating any curve balls associated with any disaster response).   

There were several observations made of the movie associated with incident response, unified command, resource needs, public information, family assistance centers, grief counseling, etc.  However, if you’re time and interest permits you to see it, I challenge you to ask yourself “What if?”  What if YOU were near that finish line where the explosions occurred?  Are you equipped to help in a meaningful way?  Do you know CPR?  Did you know Norfolk Fire-Rescue offers a free and timely program called “Stop the Bleed” ? 

The film depicts very realistic aspects of a disaster.  This includes the likelihood of cell phone outages.  Significant events have a way of overwhelming cell towers due to calls for help or to loved ones.  If you experience a cell phone outage, try sending a text instead.  Additionally, while cell phones may be unable to connect, the older landline phones typically can for those who still have them.

Speaking of landlines, it is important to know how you might be alerted during such emergencies. If a similar incident to the Boston bombing occurred here, in partnership with the Norfolk Police Department and the Unified Command, the Emergency Operations Center could send out a Norfolk Alert to your home or device with information, description of the suspect(s) and instructions (i.e. shelter in place, call hotline to report information, etc…).  In order to ensure you get this message, it is imperative you register to receive the alerts at Norfolk.gov/Emergency (bottom of page) or by calling the Norfolk Call Center at 757-664-6510.   Again, Norfolk Alerts regarding life safety will be sent to landlines and Norfolk Alert subscribers.  If you do not have a landline, and you haven’t registered your cell number, you will not receive this alert.

Depending on the incident there is another way you could be notified: the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).  In the past you may have received an unusual ring tone or vibration on your device alerting you of impending hazardous weather or an AMBER alert.  Incidentally, you may also recall mention of a “smartphone terror alert” in New York last year.  This was Wireless Emergency Alert, designed to help local, state and federal agencies reach cell phones within a particular radius around selected cell towers.  Click here for a WEA Public Service Announcement.  Again, the criteria by which WEA messages will be sent is much more stringent than Norfolk Alerts.

Lastly, in the same vein of a community coming together, I encourage you to get involved.  Whether it’s through our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Public Health’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), or any of our partners like Amateur Radio, the American Red Cross Coastal Virginia, Civil Air Patrol, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST), Operation Blessing, Operation Brother’s Keeper and many, many more.  If you have the interest, we’ll connect you with the right organization.  Just please keep in mind, the right time is NOW to get affiliated and trained before the next incident occurs.   

Thanks and enjoy the movie!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk: FINAL WINTER STORM UPDATE 1/11 @ 5pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The following comes from Bill Sammler, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

After a 2 day period of much warmer temperatures, a cold front will move through the region from the north during the day Friday, as Arctic high pressure builds southward into the region. This will usher in colder temperatures Friday afternoon through Saturday. Meanwhile, moisture from the Midwest will begin moving over top of the cold air near the ground, generating some light precipitation spreading west to east from late Friday evening into Saturday, especially along and north of a Fluvanna county to Chincoteague line. There will be enough cold air near the ground for some of the precipitation to fall as sleet and possibly freezing rain.

At this time, the precipitation, regardless of form, is expected to be light, with any travel impacts expected to be minor. Temperatures will be warming again from late Saturday into Sunday, so any precipitation beyond Saturday evening will be in the form of liquid rain. We will be refining the forecast over the next couple days, and will provide you another update sometime Thursday afternoon.

This looks to be a non-event for Norfolk.  Nonetheless the hourly graph depicting Friday 12pm to Sunday 12pm is provided below as well as the 72-hour rainfall forecast graphic.

This is the final update related to the recent winter weather. 

I want to take this time to thank all who worked this even, who braved long hours in hazardous conditions – away from family - to get our community back to where it needed.  I want to thank those who volunteered to assist others in need.  Those who were committed to helping, caring for and treating our residents experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity and respect as was the case through the fantastic efforts of NEST (overnight sheltering) and the Community Services Board (daytime warming station).  Much thanks to those who armed themselves with a shovel, a kind heart and linked up with Operation Blessing in our Snow Buddies program!  Their efforts helped people like one 8-month pregnant military spouse whose husband was deployed, a woman recovering from breast cancer surgery only a week ago, another challenged with Parkinson’s and diabetes, and so many more.  And thanks goes to so many who responded by keeping the community informed.  Our Norfolk Cares Call Center (757-664-6510) performed superbly as always! Our friends in the media did an incredible job explaining the complexities of these incidents as well as provide real-time situation awareness.  So many in the Twittersphere and other social media sites did wonderfully communicating crucial information and various needs.  And so many knew, understood and explained incidents like these just take a little time.

In other words, it was amazing to see the community come together and respond to an infrequent incident which impacts our daily routines.  To me, this is resilience.  And it’s something on which to build, a springboard to get more involved.  Jesse Scaccia wrote a great piece in The Virginian-Pilot entitled “10 resolutions for being a better Norfolk citizen in 2017.”  Emergency Management has ways in which to get involved!  One way to get to know your neighbors and to volunteer is to participate in our free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training!!  This program is for people of all ages and abilities to get the tools and know-how to ensure your own neighborhood is informed and prepared for the next natural or man-made incident!  Also get involved with our Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), where you don’t just get familiar with current threats, you get familiar with (and contribute toward) our plans!  To learn more about how you can get involved in these and other efforts, or recommend / request ideas and information, please contact us!  As I’ve said before, if we can leverage the talents, resources and expertise within our community from the individual to the largest organization (i.e. this is Team Norfolk), our city will be ready to respond and recover from anything which comes our way.

Thank you Team Norfolk!

Sincerely,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

 

 

Team Norfolk Winter Storm Update 1-10-17 @ 8pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I had the pleasure of presenting to our Norfolk City Council on Team Norfolk's winter storm response efforts.  I am pleased to relay the sincere thanks they communicated to the entire Team for a job done well!  My biggest regret, however, was the inability to accurately and effectively articulate all who have played a part.  The After Action Report will be more thorough!  This evening Council also ratified the local emergency declaration which was terminated at noon today.

Please note the city is back at normal operations tomorrow (Wednesday); however, while conditions continue to improve, some organizations must take into account conditions of residential roads which are still very slick.

Norfolk Public Schools will be closed tomorrow except for 12-month employees, Old Dominion University will operate under a 2-hour delay and Norfolk State University will run at normal operations.  Hampton Roads Transit reports normal ops. Please check official sources for details and updates!

Why not Residential Roads?
One question received and frustration expressed during every winter weather incident pertains to residential roads.  Why aren’t they plowed?  The reason has to do with cost, convenience and safety. 

First has to the amount of risk accepted by a southern coastal community where significant winter weather is not a frequent occurrence – unlike our neighbors to the North North/East.  Also, Norfolk also has 600+ lane miles of primary and secondary roads and 1,700+ miles of residential roads.  Current level of risk accepted and funded by the community is insufficient to plow all roads.  Rather than purchasing and maintaining snow moving equipment (with additional staff to operate) which would be idle most of the year, in some cases – like this most recent storm – temporary contract support may be the best option.  This cost / benefit discussion will reoccur during our after action discussion.

If plentiful snow response resources did exist, most of Norfolk’s residential roads accommodate on-road parking.  Therefore, snow plowed by crews would serve to burry vehicles in-place as we’ve seen even on some primary and secondary roads.  Lastly, residential roads in Norfolk are extremely narrow, and with such slick conditions, could easily result in both city and private property damage. 

What’s with the naming of Winter Storms?
The National Weather Service / National Hurricane Center (NHC) have named tropical storms since 1953 (background available here).  Names were not given to winter storms until The Weather Channel began during the 2012-2013 winter season in order to raise awareness of the threat.  This is a valid reason when there are examples of individuals overlooking and falling victim to a weather events when no name was given (example here).  Confusion comes, however, when dealing with insurance and losses.  It is my understanding named storm deductibles (or hurricane deductibles) for insurance are in play once the National Hurricane Center give name to the incident - and again, they do not name winter storms.  Bottom line: please discuss your policy with your carrier to ascertain their interpretation of “named storms.”

Lastly, please find attached the National Weather Service’s official graphic for the observed snowfall for January 7.  Also, please send us any comments, questions or concerns for immediate attention or inclusion in the after action process. We are very interested hearing what went well because it’s important to recognize, celebrate and build on successes.  At the same time, it’s imperative we include and address areas of improvement.  This is the only recipe for continued improvement for the Team and our plans!

Thank you and have a great evening!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

 

 

Team Norfolk Winter Storm Update 1-10-17 @ 12pm

Team,

Norfolk Public Works is reporting primary roads are in pretty good shape and more progress made on secondaries.  Approximately 1100 tons of salt and 800 tons of sand have been applied over the past 3 days (not including today).  One issue in which to contend is over 90 straight hours with temperatures below freezing.  While air temps are rising, ground temps in shaded areas are still around 26°.  Those areas exposed to the sun are still below freezing as well.  Nonetheless, rising temperatures + sun exposure + road traffic = improving road conditions on primary and secondaries throughout the day.

Note: as temps rise and snow melts, localized flooding can occur.  In order to reduce the amount of flood Public Works crews open storm drains citywide.  

City lots and walkways have also been addressed; however, the visitors are encouraged to use extreme caution in and around those areas.

With State and local emergency declarations in addition to so many human and equipment resources responding to this incident, the question arises: is FEMA assistance available?  The immediate answer is “it depends.”  Winter storms are viewed more differently than tropical storms.  To be considered for reimbursement for government response efforts (i.e. “public assistance”), the per capita threshold must be met within a 48-hour period.    In addition, the snowfall must be within 10% of the local record (see list below). Details available FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.1: Snow Assistance Policy.  Stand by for more information.  

Another question may be “are these winter storms becoming more frequent and/or severe?”  In response I only offer the attached graphic of annual snowfall from 1891-2005.

Thank you and congratulations again to those who care for the needs of our residents experiencing homelessness through the NEST program in general, and during this storm in particular!  Each night, the Houses of Worship have been able to accommodate everybody; overflow assistance was not needed.  And daytime warming station assistance went better than planned due to the commitment of so many amazing staff and volunteers!!!

Thank you again to all the folks who have shown their compassion (and strength) helping others through the Snow Buddies program!!

From a communications perspective, people are still encouraged to use caution on the roads!!  Patches of ice still exist as explained earlier in this update.  More up-to-date information posted to Norfolk.gov, City’s social media sites and Norfolk TV48.  And the fantastic team of the Norfolk Cares Call Center are available to answer calls at 757-641-6510!

Please continue to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Norfolk Winter Weather Update 1-9-17 @ 5:15pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

City offices, recreation centers and libraries will open at 10AM TUESDAY.  Trash and recycling will take place as scheduled.  Due to road conditions, collection may take longer than normal so please leave your cans at the curb.

Norfolk City Council will meet as scheduled

Other Team Norfolk modified operations for Tuesday reported to the Emergency Operations Center are provided below.  Please refer to their sites for details and updates.

   - Norfolk Public Schools: CLOSED
   - Courts: CLOSED
   - Norfolk State University: CLOSED
   - Old Dominion University: CLOSED
   - Tidewater Community College: CLOSED
   - Naval Station Norfolk: Mission Essential Personnel should report on time. Non-Mission Essential Personnel are authorized a delay to 1200.
   -Hampton Roads Transit: HRT running their snow routes.  Information here.  Please note: bus riders have been seen waiting are regular stops.  Please help HRT pass the word their snow routes for the Southside are available online here and further marked by the snowflake on the bus sign (pic provided below).

Roadway Progress / Forecast
Public Works reports approximately 90% of the primary roads are cleared and secondary roads around 60%.  A map of these routes is available here.  Moreover, walkways at and around city buildings (including parking lots and garages) are also at 90%.  Thick ice remains a challenge, but work will continue into the evening and will still be underway tomorrow.  As a reminder, residential roads are not plowed. 

Though partly sunny, temperatures to rise throughout the day tomorrow which will contribute significantly to the effort.  Be alert localized flooding could occur in some areas due to the snow melt…

Snow Buddies
If you’re wondering what kind of people receive assistance and whether this program and Operation Blessing’s coordination makes a difference, I offer a few paraphrased stories provided by Jody Gettys.  The need for volunteers continues as they plan to work through Tuesday!  If interested please call 757-274-8650!!

Communications
As always, for the most up-to-date information, please visit Norfolk.gov and/or the city’s social media sites.  And don’t forget the great folks at the Norfolk Cares Call Center are available to answer any community questions daily from 7am-6pm!

Lastly, I’d like to thank the amazing women and men of Team Norfolk - inclusive of our partners in the faith community, military, higher education, nonprofit and private sector – who have spent their “snow days” not with their families, or reporting on a delayed schedule, but stepping up to respond.  This community is full of heroes and it is indeed an honor to be part of the Team!

Sincerely,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Snow Buddy Story #1: 
Ms. Y is a sweet 70 year teaching nurse with a heart to teach and care for others.  Unfortunately, in June of last year she fell and broke her right wrist.  She is right handed and that made it impossible to for her to fulfill everyday nursing tasks like starting IV’s. She has been through two surgeries and her hope is to return to work as soon as possible.  She received disappointing news from her doctor yesterday, stating that she has to have a 3rd surgery.  She lives alone and Winter Storm Helena left her “snowed in” where she could barely muscle the door open and definitely could not access her walkway, driveway or car. Operation Blessing’s Art Navolis and Joshua Deuble had the honor of meeting Ms. Y and helping her dig out.  Art spoke so soundly of Ms. Y and said, “[she] is a sweet lady with compassion for others above herself. Even with her injury, her first concern was for her coworkers and students who she missed and could not wait to get back to.  Her dedication and compassion was inspiring!”

Snow Buddy Story #2
Mr. H.  When I knocked on his door, I could hear him making his way to find out who it was.  I said, “Hi, Mr. [H], this is Jody with Operation Blessing.” The snow made it difficult to open his storm door but with a strong pull we were able to break through the thick layer of snow.  When I introduced our team, he said “you guys are the Lord’s people!”  He was so sweet and you could tell mobility was a challenge for him.  He said, “I’m being careful but I have to wear this.” and he pointed to the “Life Alert” he wore around his neck.  He explained to me that he had serious heart problems, among other things and he needs that in case he starts having difficulty with his heart.  Our team rallied around him and dug the snow from his front door, porch, and even cleaned off his car so he could drive out if he needed to.  Mr. H was extremely thankful for our assistance.

Snow Buddy Story #3:
Tom was calling to check on a gentleman named, Mr. R who uses a scooter to get around.  He called Mr. R to see if he still needed help “digging out” when to Tom’s surprise Mr. R said, “I don’t have any food!”  Mr. R was out of food and could not go out and get it himself.  We talked about it and Tom volunteered to take Mr. R some groceries [last night].  Tom started his day very early around 6 AM this morning and even though we were “wrapping up” the day, we did not want to ignore this Mr. R, who said the he literally did not have any food.  Instead of calling it a night, Tom said without hesitation, “I’ll go!” and he  headed out and made a special delivery to “Mr. R.” We truly do have an incredible team, full of people who work tireless and never run out of compassion!  I’m honored to serve along each side of them.

 

Team Norfolk Winter Storm Update 1-9-17 @ 12:15pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Another full day of work and things are off to a good start. 

At 10am Public Works reported primary roads 75% cleared and secondary around 30% (though most are passable).  Many of the areas on secondary and especially residential roads are layered with ice which will likely take 1-2 days to thaw and clear.  Again, in addition to roads, other areas must be cleared to continue providing city services and the incredible folks from Public Works, Public Utilities, Recreation Parks and Open Space as well as General Services have been working together and leveraging resources to make it happen! 

Because of the slick conditions expected in the morning, and to give staff some extra time for their commute,  City offices, recreation centers and libraries will open at 10am Tuesday (tomorrow). 

As we continuously strive to receive and share more situational awareness, kudos to John Ehlers who provided the following video observing road conditions yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlrU-2JjPYo.  This was a test; however, one can see there is much promise in addition to that which he provides from the air: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBf1f391OEk&sns=em.  Well done, John, and keep up the great work (and nice, safe driving)!!

Care is still being provided for those in our community experiencing homelessness.  With City operations resuming tomorrow, an alternate site has been identified until temperatures rise, which is expected to occur in a significant way tomorrow – from low 20’s at 6am, 30° by 9am, 40° by noon and mid-40’s by the afternoon.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  There are many folks in our community with very real needs who are unable to dig themselves out from the snow.  Keep in mind the following: “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in” (author unknown).  Please pass the word for those who may be interested in helping those in need to contact the Snow Buddies program at 757-374-0944.  Whether an individual, or a parent and child who has the day off, or a group of scouts, an athletic team, a house of worship, etc – help is needed!  Nobody will be turned away!! 

Important Messages:

• Many roads still slick with ice - use caution while driving!  See tips below!
• Please check on your neighbors who may be vulnerable to these cold temperatures!
• Make sure your pets do not eat treated snow, and wipe salt/chemicals from their paws when they come inside!
• Reminder: Property owners or occupants are required to remove snow from their sidewalks (Municipal Code, Sec. 42-43).

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

 

 

Team Norfolk Winter Weather Update 1-8-17 @ 6pm

Good afternoon, Team Norfolk!

As you may be well aware, cold temps continued today with high’s in the low 20’s, wind gusts in mid-20’s and wind chill in single digits.  At the same time, the sun was out and added to the work of plowing and shoveling!  In fact, much progress has been made on the roads and around city buildings today.  Men and women of Norfolk Public Works, Recreation, Parks and Open Space, General Services, Sheriff’s Office, and contractor support have been braving the conditions to clear roads, walks and garages.  VDOT also deserves kudos, not just because of the many assets they’ve provided upon request, but the highways look great!

Under these dangerous conditions, I’m thrilled to announce the successful efforts to provide daytime accommodations over the weekend (and tomorrow) for our residents experiencing homelessness - where 105 guests were able to remain safe from the cold today alone!!  Norfolk has some amazing and compassionate volunteers throughout the Community Services Board and the Office to End Homelessness!  Special thanks also to our friends at Operation Blessing and the Salvation Army for donating food!  And of course the wonderful volunteers and houses or worship of the NEST (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team) program who provide critical overnight lodging to these Norfolkians.  We are blessed by the amount of work and coordination of so many to protect our friends and neighbors from threatening conditions which are truly a matter of life and limb.

Speaking of helping others, Jody Gettys of Operation Blessing who coordinates our Snow Buddy program, reported a “GREAT day out helping residents who TRULY needed assistance”!  Details and stories will be forthcoming, but they had 7 teams of volunteers dispatched and completed 27 work order requests!  196 are in the queue for a total of 226 work orders received!  Again, some may have to be cancelled if there are not enough volunteers.  With so many closures tomorrow, if you know of anyone whose schedule just opened up and they may feel led to help others, please have them call 757-374-0944.  Equipment will be provided!!

Slight improvement in the weather is expected tomorrow (Monday) when temps “rise” to upper 20’s and wind chill in low 20’s, and more freezing will occur overnight resulting in a dangerous morning commute.  Therefore, City of Norfolk offices, recreations centers and libraries will be closed.  The following partners also shared their Monday Closure status with the EOC: Norfolk Public Schools, Courts, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University and Tidewater Community College.  (Please refer to their sites for details and official information).  Our friends NAVSTA Norfolk also announced Mission Essential Personnel for Monday and Hampton Roads Transit announced their Emergency Snow Plan will be in effect Monday.  “Hampton Roads Transit will provide limited bus, rail and ferry services starting Monday morning as the region continues to recover from the weekend storm that left roads and bridges covered in ice and snow.  HRT’s Emergency Snow Plan is designed to provide basic public transit services along the region’s major transportation corridors using 11 designated routes. These routes are different from normal local routes and customers are urged to visit gohrt.com to see where the nearest route operates and what areas they serve.”

At this time there are no outstanding needs/requests.  If that changes, or you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me!  In the meantime, enjoy the pics below.  First reflects a team of some special people who have stepped up to help others through our Snow Buddies program!  The other is a birds-eye view overlooking Scope Arena provided by the talented John Ehlers, on whom we rely for damage assessment information captured by his drone!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Winter Weather Update 1-7-17 @ 8:30pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

According to the NWS Enhanced Data Display, official snow accumulation observations in Norfolk are around 7” (not taking into account snowdrifts).  We’re still under a winter weather advisory until tomorrow at 10am and while we’re not expecting any more snow, freezing temps are the primary threat.  Forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) is sunny with a high of 26°.  Such cold temperatures will prevent salt on the roads from being effective.  Therefore, dangerous driving conditions should be expected. 

Norfolk Public Works reports primary routes have been plowed and are passable and will be plowed again tonight.  The hope is to begin addressing Secondary Sunday.  

It is worth noting last check for power outages as of 8:20pm is ONE customer out of the 96,972 in the city.  Thank you, Dominion!!

City closures remain in effect for Sunday and we encourage our partner agencies and organizations to consider the same.  Safety should be the order of the day; we continue to ask folks to stay off the roadways if at all possible.

Still ramping up for our Snow Buddies program!!  With 91 work orders already in the queue from folks who have legitimate needs, we’re still seeking folks who are willing to show compassion to their friends and neighbors!  If you need help call 757.274.8650 and if you want to help call 757.374.0944!  Please pass the word!!

As always, we encourage everyone to check out Norfolk.gov, the City's social media sites and Norfolk TV47 fpr the most up-to-date information.   Updates also being sent out to Norfolk Alert subscribers!

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Winter Storm Afternoon Update 1-7-16 @ 2pm

Team Norfolk,

From the National Weather Service: Attached is the latest briefing from the Wakefield National Weather Service for the ongoing winter storm. Included are some snow totals so far, as well as some timing of the back edge of precipitation. It looks like snow will end from west to east this afternoon, but not before another 2-5 inches of snow will fall east of I-95. Otherwise, no significant changes for this updated package. 

At this time, power outages are minimal at 463 out of 96,972 DOM customers.

Public Works crews continue aggressively plowing primary roads. Official snowfall accumulation reported at 4-6" with another 2" expected. Also as the winds pick up we anticipate more drifts exceeding 1’.  We are growing our fleet of plows on the street.  VDOT has provided us additional 7 snow plows for a total of 17 from the state!

Fortunately no reports of downed trees or limbs as expected.

Snow Buddies
Operation Blessing reports the following: The following is the NOON  “Work Order” update.  All of the calls have been from people who truly fit in the “vulnerable population” categories like:  elderly, disabled, care givers for the disabled, pregnant wives of deployed active duty military, single moms and residents needing to make it to medical appointments.  

Virginia Beach - 32
Norfolk - 25
Chesapeake - 4
Total 61

Snow Buddy operations will begin tomorrow (Sunday) at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning.  The flier with all necessary details is attached below.

Please spread the word VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Thank you, everyone!

Sincerely,

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov

Team Norfolk Winter Storm Morning Update 1-7-17

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Norfolk remains under a Blizzard Warning until 7pm tonight while also under a State of Emergency declared by both Governor McAuliffe and Interim City Manager Doug Smith.
Here is the latest update from the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

“Winter storm is ongoing across the region this morning. Reported snowfall amounts are generally 2 to 4 inches from Richmond south and east. Sleet has limited snow amounts thus far across far southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. However, expect a transition to all snow by early to mid-morning across the southeast. Snow will be heavy at times this morning, with rates up to 2 inches per hour. Total snowfall accumulations remain on the order of 8-12 inches from central Virginia to southeast Virginia, tapering off to 4-8 inches in northeast North Carolina. Amounts have been increased slightly northwest of Richmond, with amounts of 2-6 inches expected. Due to winds gusting up to 35 mph and heavy snow this morning, near-blizzard conditions are expected along the coast, especially for the lower Virginia Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, and Currituck County, NC. Whatever snow does fall will be slow to leave as temperatures Saturday, Sunday and even into Monday will be hard pressed to reach 32 degrees. Lows will be in the single digits to low 20s.”

I have also attached the hourly graph for your review.  Minimal calls thus far in the 911 center regarding accidents and/or downed tree limbs and virtually no impact on power outages at this time.  Dominion is ready and responding.

Norfolk Public Works crews remain in full force addressing roads and bridges, with additional support from our partners with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  Upon request, VDOT has provided 10 assets for a total of 30 to clearing major roadways!

The attached Hampton Roads Transit Customer Alert indicates ALL SERVICE SUSPENDED today.  Per their press release, "Hampton Roads Transit has suspended all public transportation services for Saturday, Jan. 7, because of snow and ice on roads and bridges associated with the weekend winter storm. HRT will evaluate road conditions throughout the weekend to determine the best time to resume service.  HRT had planned to use an Emergency Snow Route option that would have allowed limited bus, light rail, ferry service to the region but conditions deteriorated to the point it was not safe to operate. No paratransit services are available.  'The safety of our operators and customers is our top priority,' said William Harrell, president and CEO of HRT. 'We will resume operations when it is safer to travel.'  For more information, visit gohrt.com/route/snow-routes/"
The daytime support / warming station for our residents experiencing homelessness is in full effect.

Resource needs being addressed through Team Norfolk and our partners in the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.

The most up-to-date information continues to be posted at Norfolk.gov, the City's social media sites and Norfolk TV47.  Also, please encourage folks to register for Norfolk Alert at Norfolk.gov/Emergency.

There is a 10am conference call with the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).  We will participate and update you accordingly.  In the meantime (or any time), please let me know if there are any resource needs. 

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC

James.redick@norfolk.gov