Team Norfolk Update 1-5-17 @ 10am WINTER WEATHER

All,

Forecast:
From our friends at the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

Not much has changed with respect to the light wintry precipitation event for tonight and early Friday morning. Snow accumulations were reduced to a half inch or less for areas in and around Richmond over to the northern Neck. Snow amounts of 1-2" are still possible across the lower MD Eastern Shore, especially along and north of a Cambridge to Salisbury to Ocean City line. All rain is expected across Tidewater VA/Hampton Roads into northeast NC.

For the second event, late Friday night into Saturday, confidence continues to increase for significant snowfall across south-central and southeast VA into northeast NC. Snow amounts were increased this morning across the VA Tidewater, all of Hampton Roads, and into northeast NC to 4-8" with locally higher amounts possible. The question that still remains is just how far north (inland) the snow reaches given the considerably dry air that will be in place across northern/central VA limiting snowfall potential. A Winter Storm Watch will likely be issued by this afternoon. Whatever snow does fall will be slow to leave as temperatures Saturday, Sunday and even into Monday will be hard pressed to reach 32 degrees. Lows will be in the teens to low 20s.

 

Watches / Warnings

None at the time.

Team Norfolk Winter Weather Plan

Available here: http://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28284

Additional Considerations
Expecting a heavier, wet snow which can expose many tree limbs weakened during Hurricane Matthew.  Also, this type of snow is more difficult (and takes longer) to plow.

Dangerous travel Saturday with cold temperatures. Lows drop into the lower 20s Saturday and Sunday night and highs Sunday and Monday struggling to get above freezing. 

Highlighted Preparatory Actions:

• Pre-treatment of major roads to occur throughout Friday
• Ensuring adequate accommodations for residents experiencing homelessness.
• Prepare for deployment of post-snowfall Snow Buddies program.
• IMPACT Call Center (664-6510) to be open 10-5 Saturday and Sunday

Closures
No closures at this time.

Resource Needs:
Please contact us at the Emergency Operations Center with any resource needs.

Battle Rhythm / Coordination Activities:

Team Norfolk Section Chiefs / DCM’s Call at 9am
NEST Coordination Call at 1pm
VDEM/NWS Conference Call at 2:30pm.
Team Norfolk Conference Call at 3pm

Important Messaging:

Protect your pipes from freezing

Check on your neighbor, particularly those who are a little more vulnerable to winter conditions

Keep pet indoors during extreme cold temps

Looking for volunteers now who might be willing to assist with our Snow Buddies program – to assist those who need a helping hand shoveling out from the snow to make their medical appointments, etc…  Please leave name and contact info at 757-441-5584.

 

Thank you!

 

Jim

Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov