Hurricane Matthew Update 10-3-16; Norfolk EOC at Readiness Condition 4

Team,

The morning GFS model shows Hurricane Matthew over OBX and Hampton Roads with rain and winds this Saturday.  Still many variables exist; however, we are increasing the Norfolk EOC Readiness Condition to Condition 4, which means a tropical weather system has developed which has the potential to impact the locality within 144-96 hours (D-6 to D-4 days).  With this change in Readiness Condition comes some important steps for all of Team Norfolk to take:

·         Review and implement department playbooks and checklists;

·         Establish communications among Emergency Support Function (ESF) partners;

·         Prepare to document / track any storm-related costs;

·         Begin preparatory actions by identifying stocks of materials, pre-warning emergency services, personnel, etc.;

·         Identify resources which may need to be moved/secured for protection;

·         Identify resource needs and availability

Norfolk EOC to prepare for a full activation, beginning with an initial briefing to occur over the next day or so.  This may occur electronically.

Norfolk EOC will also confirm with Norfolk Public Schools the availability of primary shelter locations.

Remember, the NWS has created a site specific to Hurricane Matthew, available at http://www.weather.gov/akq/Matthew.

There are no conference calls with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management or the National Weather Service at this time.  VDEM’s latest dashboard from earlier this morning is attached.  Next update expected around 11am.

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC