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