Team Norfolk Inclement Weather 7-28-17

Team Norfolk,

Please see the following as provided by the National Weather Service in Wakefield:

"Low pressure slowly tracking across the Mid-Atlantic region will result in periods of moderate to heavy rainfall this afternoon through Saturday morning. Low pressure slides offshore Saturday afternoon, with lingering showers expected generally east of Interstate 95 through Saturday night. A flash flood watch has been issued for this afternoon through Saturday morning for areas north and east of Richmond. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected on average across the watch area, with locally higher amounts possible. For more information, please refer to the attached slides or our Rainfall Briefing Page (link: www.weather.gov/akq/rainandsnow).

In addition, the slight risk for severe weather has been downgraded to a marginal risk for the entire Wakefield forecast area. A few late afternoon and evening thunderstorms may become strong to severe, with locally damaging winds and frequent lightning the main threats. To keep up with the latest severe weather outlooks, check out our Severe Weather Briefing Page (link: www.weather.gov/akq/SevereThunderstorms). 

Low pressure slides offshore Saturday, with increasing north to northeast winds late Saturday through Sunday. Gusts of 25-30 mph are expected along the coast. North to northeast flow will also result in above normal tidal departures. Minor flooding is possible along the coast and in the lower Chesapeake Bay."

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 As it pertains more specifically to Norfolk, rain is very much likely today and throughout the weekend; however, our area is not in the flash flood watch nor are the rain amounts during the projected times such to overwhelm our storm water infrastructure.  Incidentally, per the attached Tides chart, the tides begin to stack tomorrow (Saturday) resulting in a chance for tidal flooding during the Sunday afternoon high tide (3:41pm) which combined with the rainfall will result in flooding in the usual areas.  Remember, to tides take a little while to come in and recede, so flooding is expected leading up to the high tide and sometime thereafter.  For a graphic of what the tidal inundation might look like given the current forecast (but not including the impact of rainfall), visit  Norfolk’s TITAN program at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/TITAN (for the appropriate conversion, use 1-1.5’ less in the flood layer than what is displayed in the tide chart.  With a forecast of 4.5, select 3.5 or 3’ in the TITAN flood layer). 

As with all things weather, it is subject to change.  We’ll certainly continue to monitor and update you of any changes.

Thanks!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC

Team Norfolk - HEAT ADVISORY - 7-12-17

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The following is a summary of today’s heat advisory and Team Norfolk’s response efforts.  Thanks to all for your prompt responses and assistance!!  If there are any questions, or other activities for which I am unaware, please email me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC

Hazardous Weather Outlook: Hot and humid conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday. Heat index values around 105 degrees are expected each afternoon. Per the attached chart, heat index values this high will pose a risk of heat related illnesses, if precautions are not taken. Heat advisories may be needed for portions of the area, especially Thursday.

Status: Norfolk Public Libraries are available for a reprieve from the heat during normal operating hours.  Mike Wasserberg reports Office to End Homelessness activated their water outreach for this week. Street outreach has hit most of the known hotspots including parks, libraries and the beach areas. Staff reports low numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the outdoor areas where they would be exposed to the high temps.  Also coordinating with NCSB PATH and Road to Home outreach staff.  Mike also reports the Salvation Army opened its 19^th Street Hope Center as a community cooling location until 4pm.

Many, many thanks to Ms. Joleen Jones, Manager at Walmart on Military Highway, as well as Mr. Anthony Butts of Lowes on Military Highway, for their incredibly generous donations of  bottled water for the outreach efforts to our most vulnerable populations!!  Arrangements underway for the pickup and distribution of said water.  Thanks also to Jody and Operation Blessing who are standing by to provide more upon request!

Messaging / Information Resources:
These are the message points approved by Norfolk Public Health.  Thanks, Dwayne and Eve!! 

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/  

1. Dress appropriately for the heat. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration.
2. Prepare for, and be aware of signs of, heat stress / heat illness.
3. Protect pets by bringing them indoors.
4. Do NOT leave children or pets in an un-air-conditioned vehicle.
5. Anyone without access to air-conditioning can seek temporary relief during business hours at city multi-service centers or libraries.  Contact the Norfolk Cares Call Center at (757) 664-6510 to ask for the nearest open city facility.
6. Increase water consumption!!
7. Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility. Those unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks.
8. Check on our seniors. Take the initiative to visit seniors to look for signs of heat related illnesses. It takes the elderly nearly twice the time of younger people to return to core body temperature after exposure to extreme temperatures.

We also received the following from Dominion Energy regarding energy summer saving tips:

• Raise your thermostat to 78º. If you are away from home for more than eight hours, raise the thermostat setting and you can save for each degree of setback. This will reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home while you're away. You can learn more about your thermostat online by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website.
• Keep shades closed when the air conditioner is on. Sunny windows can add heat to your home and can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
• Check and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing air conditioning filters monthly allows the system to run more efficiently.
• Clear attic vents.  If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.
• Install ceiling fans and make sure they are blowing down. Don't underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. Most fans have a switch to change the fan direction. Make sure ceiling fans are blowing downward (in a counter-clockwise direction) to send air past your body. Turn fans off when the room is unoccupied.
• Postpone activities that require hot water and large energy use – such as washing dishes or clothes – to early morning or late evening.  This will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home.  Use the dishwasher and clothes washer late in the evening. When used during the day, these appliances produce additional heat, causing your air conditioner to work harder.
• Use cold water to wash dishes and clothes. This will save on water heating costs.
• Unplug equipment not in use. Electric chargers, televisions and audio/video equipment use electricity and produce heat even when they are not in use. Running an older refrigerator can use up to three times the energy of a modern one. Unplug any appliance when it's not in use.

Heat Index chart and Infographics attached: