Team Norfolk Severe Weather Update 4-5-17 @ 3pm

Team,

Hazardous Weather Outlook For Our Area:

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast North Carolina, south central Virginia and southeast Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected late tonight. After 3 am, some storms may contain damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue through Thursday morning, with some storms potentially becoming strong to severe. The main threats will be from damaging winds and large hail, with isolated tornadoes also possible.

 Update from Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge with the NWS in Wakefield:

“Attached is the last briefing for the developing storm system. There have not been many changes today. Atmospheric conditions till look to support a combination of supercell thunderstorms ahead of a squall line. Some areas will experience a couple waves of showers and storms, some this evening and early tonight, but the real severe potential will be associated with the development of storms from 4 am through 11 am. [In our Norfolk area specifically, timing currently looks to be sometime between 7am and 9am]

Some areas could experience more than one round of severe storms during the morning hours on Thursday with some storms developing ahead of a larger line of storms. The primary threats look to be damaging wind and tornadoes. If a line of storms develop some larger areas of widespread wind damage are possible.

While there is still some uncertainty regarding the exact evolution of the storm system, where exactly severe weather will strike, and exactly how widespread severe weather will be, the potential impacts in some areas could be significant. 

Please keep up with forecast updates, potential Tornado Watches and all Warnings via our website, NOAA Weather Radio, local media and trusted apps. Note that cell phones in areas where Tornado Warnings are issued should alert via the Wireless Emergency Alert System.”

Team Norfolk

Again, the hourly graph is provided for your review.  As you’ll see, winds pick up tomorrow morning reaching gusts into the mid to upper 30’s in the afternoon.  Folks should be encouraged to secure loose outside items.

We have a Command and Control conference call discussion scheduled for 4:30pm; update will be shared soon after.

Emergency Operations Center will be at an elevated level of readiness with personnel on site overnight.

Community Messaging:

• Register for Norfolk Alert.  Know how Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are sent/received (info at https://www.ready.gov/alerts)
• Secure loose items outside this evening.
• Take cover when a Tornado Warning is received! A Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  Appropriate shelter is the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table if available and use your arms to protect your head and neck.  Have sturdy shoes with you in your shelter space.

Thanks!

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