Team Norfolk Winter Storm Morning Update 1-7-17

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Norfolk remains under a Blizzard Warning until 7pm tonight while also under a State of Emergency declared by both Governor McAuliffe and Interim City Manager Doug Smith.
Here is the latest update from the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

“Winter storm is ongoing across the region this morning. Reported snowfall amounts are generally 2 to 4 inches from Richmond south and east. Sleet has limited snow amounts thus far across far southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. However, expect a transition to all snow by early to mid-morning across the southeast. Snow will be heavy at times this morning, with rates up to 2 inches per hour. Total snowfall accumulations remain on the order of 8-12 inches from central Virginia to southeast Virginia, tapering off to 4-8 inches in northeast North Carolina. Amounts have been increased slightly northwest of Richmond, with amounts of 2-6 inches expected. Due to winds gusting up to 35 mph and heavy snow this morning, near-blizzard conditions are expected along the coast, especially for the lower Virginia Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, and Currituck County, NC. 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 single digits to low 20s.”

I have also attached the hourly graph for your review.  Minimal calls thus far in the 911 center regarding accidents and/or downed tree limbs and virtually no impact on power outages at this time.  Dominion is ready and responding.

Norfolk Public Works crews remain in full force addressing roads and bridges, with additional support from our partners with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).  Upon request, VDOT has provided 10 assets for a total of 30 to clearing major roadways!

The attached Hampton Roads Transit Customer Alert indicates ALL SERVICE SUSPENDED today.  Per their press release, "Hampton Roads Transit has suspended all public transportation services for Saturday, Jan. 7, because of snow and ice on roads and bridges associated with the weekend winter storm. HRT will evaluate road conditions throughout the weekend to determine the best time to resume service.  HRT had planned to use an Emergency Snow Route option that would have allowed limited bus, light rail, ferry service to the region but conditions deteriorated to the point it was not safe to operate. No paratransit services are available.  'The safety of our operators and customers is our top priority,' said William Harrell, president and CEO of HRT. 'We will resume operations when it is safer to travel.'  For more information, visit gohrt.com/route/snow-routes/"
The daytime support / warming station for our residents experiencing homelessness is in full effect.

Resource needs being addressed through Team Norfolk and our partners in the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.

The most up-to-date information continues to be posted at Norfolk.gov, the City's social media sites and Norfolk TV47.  Also, please encourage folks to register for Norfolk Alert at Norfolk.gov/Emergency.

There is a 10am conference call with the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).  We will participate and update you accordingly.  In the meantime (or any time), please let me know if there are any resource needs. 

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC

James.redick@norfolk.gov