Hurricane Matthew Update 10-10-16 @ 9:30am

Team Norfolk,

We are still under a Flood Warning until 2:15pm today; however, that is not for impending conditions.  Rather, it’s for reports of existing flooding on roadways in part of the region.  Our forecast is sun and no rain.  Wind gusts in the low 30mph range which will continue to decrease throughout the day.  Furthermore, there are no tides of concern - none in the action or nuisance level (highest is forecasted for 4’ Tuesday afternoon @ 5:46pm).

Life Safety / Shelter Operations

Matthew has caused no fatalities or significant injuries in Norfolk!

38 individuals were provided shelter overnight, all of whom have plans when the shelter closes at 11am.  So many thanks to those who made the effort a success, including Norfolk Public Schools’ nurses, bus drivers, custodial and cafeteria staff!!  Norfolk Human Services, Public Health, Recreation Parks and Open Spaces, Community Services Board, Office to End Homelessness, Norfolk Fire-Rescue and Norfolk Police were also instrumental.  Much goes into ensuring the safe transport, shelter and feeding of members of our community in need and this Team did an incredible job!!!!

Facilities

All City facilities are online; no significant damage reported.

Team Norfolk partner agencies are encourage to report any damages to the Norfolk EOC for inclusion in the City’s documentation.


Roads and Underpasses

While most all primary routes are passible, work continues on clearing debris and abandoned vehicles.  Some of this debris has fallen on electrical wires and Dominion Virginia Power is working with us to ensure safe removal.  Also, Norfolk Public Works is enacting a contract with one of their vendors for the collection and disposal/removal of the storm debris.

There has been much progress with the flooded underpasses with more work to do.  In coordination with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Port of Virginia, the Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT) is sharing two 3,000 gpm pumps to augment those we currently have on site! Please be forewarned, however.  The regular pump stations at the underpasses are a total loss and will need to be replaced.  In the meantime, temporary pumps will need to be utilized to continue pumping rain and ground water.

Trees

The Urban Forestry crews of Recreation Parks and Open Space are working tirelessly to address the 100+ downed and damaged trees throughout the community.    This is a process which will take time, and the larger the tree, the more time it will take.  Safety for these responders is the top priority!

 Power

Dominion Virginia Power is doing a phenomenal job with their restoration efforts.  With a peak of almost 50,000 of the 97,000 customers without power yesterday in Norfolk, latest reports show 12,600 this morning.  Five Norfolk Public Schools are included in this number.

Damage Assessment Strategies

Initial damage assessments are due to the Virginia Emergency Operation Center within 72 hours of the incident.  Windshield assessments were conducted yesterday by Neighborhood Development, Public Safety responders and more; more thorough assessments are being conducted throughout the day by the Damage Assessment Teams from the Planning Department as well as Public Works.  Planning has also announced permits necessary due to the storm will receive higher priority.

Federal Assistance

Again, initial damage assessments are due to the VEOC within 72 hours of the incident.  The threshold for federal disaster assistance is based on per capita indicator of $3.57 and the current population total, which used by VDEM for Norfolk is 242,803.  Therefore, Population (242,803) x per capita indicator ($3.57)  = a threshold of $866,807 to be eligible for federal assistance – a very good possibility with this incident.  Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember All agencies are to document/track all incident-related costs!!

 Communication / Messaging

• Mobile generators are to be used in well-ventilated spaces!
• Norfolk Fire-Rescue stresses citizens using chainsaws should be properly trained, wear proper eye protection, use a sharp blade and be aware of surroundings.  Do not cut into trees with downed line.
• Norfolk Public Health has excellent information on post-flood cleanup as well as post-power outage food spoilage at http://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27186.

• Matthew should serve as a reminder not to drive in flooded water.  It has proven the result is not only a threat to life and personal property, but also hampers public safety response times.
• While cleaning up from the storm, please do not put debris IN the street.  This will impact city services and exacerbate future flooding by clogging storm drains.
• All information updates are posted to www.norfolk.gov, Facebook: City of Norfolk, Twitter:
  @NorfolkVA and TV Channel 48.

The Norfolk EOC will participate in an 11:30am call with the VEOC.  We will summarize and share the information with you. 

Thank you!

JimDirector, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov