Hurricane Matthew Update 10-7-16 @ 1:45pm

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here is a report out on the 11:30am conference call with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service and our 1pm Team Norfolk EOC Briefing.

At the request of the North Carolina Governor, Virginia Governor McAuliffe declared a state of emergency as to legally release state assets to assist our neighboring states.  Details available here.

While storm projections are more reliable and it appears we are not expected to feel the true wrath of Hurricane Matthew, we will still have some impacts over the weekend.  In fact, the track shifted a bit northward overnight which will slow the storm’s eastward turn.

Per the hourly graph, winds and rain are expected this afternoon, but the chance of rain certainly increases most of Saturday and into Sunday.  The NWS anticipating rainfall accumulation in the range of 3-6” and possibly more (worst case 8” and some models say less than 1”).

Forecasts have reflected an increase of winds.  Winds and gusts to pick up Saturday night into and through Sunday.  With the saturated soil, duration of sustained winds in the mid-30’s and gusts at 45+mph, we continue to expect several instances of downed trees, downed lines and power outages.

Bottom line: flooding is expected Saturday afternoon / evening as that is when the storm picks up in intensity.

Tidal flooding is minor at the moment; however, as influenced by the winds, Sunday’s 3:45pm high tide is forecasted at 5.1’ (again, with coastal flooding occurring a few hours on both ends of that 3:45pm peak).  My good friend, Skip Stiles of Wetlands Watch had this to say:

SHORT VERSION = We're getting high water steadily through next 4-5 days. Starting Sat night at bedtime, move your cars away from low-lying areas - those areas that flooded yesterday and Wednesday. If you're in one of those areas, plan to have your streets flooded constantly Sat and Sun and maybe beyond. We'll get 4" of rain on top of that!

Looks like a mess later this weekend. High tide Sunday morning - 3 am @ Sewells Point - gets as high as it was yesterday early afternoon. (I saw water on Hampton, Surrey Crescent was impassable as was Llewellyn, etc.). Then the tide never goes down! Low tide Sun @ 10 am is HIGHER than our usual full moon high tide. Next high tide around 4 pm Sun is approaching 3 feet above that level - roads will close, etc. and so on as shown in this chart (click here to go to webpage)

Note: Tropical Storm Warnings end at Duck, NC.  Therefore, Tropical Storm-related alerts will not be disseminated by the National Weather Service.  Instead, alerts sent will be gale, coastal flooding and wind advisories.

Norfolk EOC will remain at increased readiness and will maintain a virtual presence.  Libraries and Recreation Centers remain open as scheduled.  Norfolk Public Works crews are operational both Saturday and Sunday maintaining and otherwise tracking pump stations, storm drains and roads.

Parking safe havens will be available at the York St. Garage and numerous Norfolk Public Schools (to be posted at Norfolk.gov).  While current conditions do not warrant emergency sheltering, staff and facilities are on stand-by should Matthew’s track make an unexpected change.

Important Messaging is as follows:

• Individuals who experience downed trees can call and report to our Non-Emergency number: (757) 441-5610
• Power outages should be communicated to Dominion Virginia Power at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
• If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY and report it to Dominion at the aforementioned number.
• If you experience an outage and rely on a mobile generator, be sure to keep it in a well-ventilated space!! (i.e. not indoors, not in garage)
• If you experience an outage, I have attached some great information below on food spoilage.
• DO NOT DRIVE OR PLAY IN FLOOD WATERS!!!!!
• Please report information using our STORM Mobile tool at http://stormmobile.norfolk.gov/stormmobile/.

Thank you!

 Jim

Director, Norfolk EOC

James.redick@norfolk.gov