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