Team Norfolk Winter Storm Update 1-10-17 @ 12pm

Team,

Norfolk Public Works is reporting primary roads are in pretty good shape and more progress made on secondaries.  Approximately 1100 tons of salt and 800 tons of sand have been applied over the past 3 days (not including today).  One issue in which to contend is over 90 straight hours with temperatures below freezing.  While air temps are rising, ground temps in shaded areas are still around 26°.  Those areas exposed to the sun are still below freezing as well.  Nonetheless, rising temperatures + sun exposure + road traffic = improving road conditions on primary and secondaries throughout the day.

Note: as temps rise and snow melts, localized flooding can occur.  In order to reduce the amount of flood Public Works crews open storm drains citywide.  

City lots and walkways have also been addressed; however, the visitors are encouraged to use extreme caution in and around those areas.

With State and local emergency declarations in addition to so many human and equipment resources responding to this incident, the question arises: is FEMA assistance available?  The immediate answer is “it depends.”  Winter storms are viewed more differently than tropical storms.  To be considered for reimbursement for government response efforts (i.e. “public assistance”), the per capita threshold must be met within a 48-hour period.    In addition, the snowfall must be within 10% of the local record (see list below). Details available FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.1: Snow Assistance Policy.  Stand by for more information.  

Another question may be “are these winter storms becoming more frequent and/or severe?”  In response I only offer the attached graphic of annual snowfall from 1891-2005.

Thank you and congratulations again to those who care for the needs of our residents experiencing homelessness through the NEST program in general, and during this storm in particular!  Each night, the Houses of Worship have been able to accommodate everybody; overflow assistance was not needed.  And daytime warming station assistance went better than planned due to the commitment of so many amazing staff and volunteers!!!

Thank you again to all the folks who have shown their compassion (and strength) helping others through the Snow Buddies program!!

From a communications perspective, people are still encouraged to use caution on the roads!!  Patches of ice still exist as explained earlier in this update.  More up-to-date information posted to Norfolk.gov, City’s social media sites and Norfolk TV48.  And the fantastic team of the Norfolk Cares Call Center are available to answer calls at 757-641-6510!

Please continue to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov