Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 1:30pm

Team,

A busy day it has been!  To offer some relief, please see the attached hourly graph which shows a downward trend in both rain and winds.  Gusts in the low to mid-30’s are expected to remain between now and Monday, which is quite favorable to what we’ve been experiencing in the 50mph range.  Furthermore, the worst of the rain is past.  More is likely between now and 5pm but accumulation is minimal – less than an inch between now and the rest of the weekend.

Now for the more sobering news.  We’re not out of the woods yet as it pertains to coastal flooding.  Based on the attached tide chart, we are past the high tide which did not see the 6.7 level as predicted, and it still caused the significant flooding we saw in the roadways.  And the next high tide around midnight tonight may be quite similar.  We can take solace in the fact there shouldn’t be many motorists on the roads around that time, but there will be some.  This is a rather new development; we will monitor this closely and keep you apprised of any updates.

As it pertains to power outages, Dominion has been doing great work, most recently reporting 3,636 out of 97,004 customers without power (see attached).  There have also been several reports of flooded streets, downed or damaged trees and downed power lines.

One area of the city, Spartan Village, experienced more flooding than it should have.  The pumps at Ohio Creek were in place and checked beforehand, but debris, garbage and even a football served to block and impeded their ability to move the water.  As a consequence, Spartan Village and the VB Blvd/Park intersection were flooded.  Crews moved quickly to remedy the issue and get the pumps operating again.  Moreover, Directors James Rogers (Community Development) and David Ricks(Public Works) and others kept constant communication with Civic League leadership and residents in the area.  Lastly, in partnership with Dr. Houston and Gethsemane Fellowship Church, the American Red Cross and Operation Blessing along with Norfolk Human Services, Police and Fire-Rescue, we opened a shelter for those interested - a true and successful test of what Norfolk's Operation Brother's Keeper program is all about.  Despite many offers, as the water never entered any of the homes, there was no interest  among the residents in going to a shelter.

Messaging continues to go out by all means available and the recommendations remain the same with the addition of two more.  Along with noting driving or playing in flood waters and keeping away from downed power lines, we must emphasize the importance of keeping storm drains clear.  Also, there is one more important message coming from Fire Chief Wise in dealing with the use of generators, propane stoves and candles and carbon monoxide. Often when people lose electricity they revert to those means to have electricity or cook and they don't think about carbon monoxide. Generators and cooking grills should always be used outside. Likewise, in some homes with downed trees, gas lines could be ruptured and thus candles should not be used.

Thanks for everyone's continued efforts, coordination and support for our resilient Team and Community!!

Sincerely,

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 7:20am

Team,

From Jeff Orrock, Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service:

Tropical Storm Hermine is on track and forecasts remain generally unchanged. Hampton Roads is headed into the the first of 2 high tide cycles which will remain major / severe flooding. Winds gusting to 40 to 50 mph along the coast and lower Bay will persist through the morning and into the afternoon. Wind speeds will likely increase some through late morning and early afternoon. 

The storm is still forecast to move northeast off the VA coast and stall or even move back towards the coast coming within 100 miles of Eastern Shore and MD. This would result in prolonged flooding and winds along the Eastern Shore north to Ocean City. Major / Severe flooding is possible from Wachapreague and Chincoteague north to Ocean City Sunday.

Attached is out latest briefing summary along with a map of observed rainfall as of 7 am this morning. 

 

Hermine Update 9-3-16 at 5am

Good morning, Team Norfolk,

As of 4:30am this morning, Norfolk has observed around 1.5” of rain with 4” more expected between now and 5pm this evening.  While there is some flooded already, we have been in the low tide cycle and thus much more flooding should be expected with high tide scheduled for around 11am. 

Per the attached tide chart, high tide is still forecasted to be around 6.6’, around the major flood stage.  Remember, you can get a view of how this might look in 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 6.6’, select 5.5’ or 5’ in the TITAN flood layer).  Pump station and storm water crews are working 12-hour shifts for as long as necessary in response.

As you are likely well aware, the winds with gusts upwards of 50mph are here with high winds remaining throughout the day and tomorrow (Sunday) morning.  See hourly graph.

There have been reports received of downed or damaged trees and downed lines - approximately 4-5 of each.  Map of these reported incidents available in our STORM Map at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/stormmap.  Note: we are testing a new capability called STORM Mobile.  If you are willing to participate, please go to http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/stormmobile.  You will be able to submit reports of issues/damages as well which will be reviewed by either the Emergency Operations Center or the Norfolk Cares IMPACT Center and then entered into the STORM program (and ultimately reflected in the Storm Map).   To learn more about it, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSDYnkXTcYs&feature=youtu.be.

Dominion reports 1,060 out of 97,004 customers affected (1.09%).

Key messages: STAY SAFE!!  Do not drive in flood waters and do not let your children play in flood waters!!  Also stay connected by monitoring Norfolk.gov, Norfolk’s social media and register for Norfolk Alert!!  Registration for Norfolk Alert is particularly important with the threat of isolated tornados associated with this storm.  If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you!

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-2-16 at 8:30pm

Team Norfolk:

Here is an update from Mike Dutter of the National Weather Service:

“Attached is the updated briefing for Hermine. We are gaining confidence on a long duration coastal flooding event unfolding for the lower Chesapeake Bay and the ocean side of the eastern Shore of VA and MD. It is quite possible that major coastal flooding will occur in the Hampton Roads area during Saturday's high tide cycle, with continued flooding through Labor Day. In addition, major coastal flooding is possible along the ocean side of the Eastern Shore , especially Saturday Night right through Monday as Hermine stalls just offshore. Much of the water level forecast relies on the exact track of Hermine, and where the storm stalls offshore. 

The next update will occur Saturday morning.”

Attached for your reviews is the aforementioned NWS 1-pager as well as the most current storm track, hourly graph, rainfall forecast and tide graph – all of which are showing consistency with previous forecasts.

We will observe conditions in the morning and also await the NWS morning update, forwarding you the latest as quickly as possible.  Likewise, please report any issues or concerns to us in the Norfolk Emergency Operations Center at james.redick@norfolk.gov.

 

Thanks!

 

Jim

 

Hermine Update 9-2-16 at 4:30pm

Team Norfolk:

The 4pm updated hot off the press from the National Weather Service:

Please see the attached summary for TS Hermine. There have only been subtle changes to the forecast with the primary impacts being high winds, coastal flooding and heavy rain. Severe / Major flooding from storm surge is expected across the lower Bay (Hampton Roads), rivers, VA Beach and Outer Banks during the 2 high tide cycles Saturday. A Storm Surge Warning is being issued for these areas. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the east coast of Eastern Shore and MD. 

The primary impacts for southeast VA and northeast NC will occur all day Saturday into Saturday evening. Along the Eastern Shore of VA and MD Eastern Shore winds and surge will last through Sunday. Water levels along the VA Eastern Shore and MD coast will peak on Sunday resulting in Major / Severe flooding. 

NWS attachment modified as to be able to post in this forum... Also attached is the latest tidal forecast and hourly graph, but as stated by the NWS, there is not much change from before.

Response Update: Brooke Ave and Nauticus Pedestrian flood gates were closed this afternoon as well as Mason Creek and Ohio Creek.  "Street Flooded" signs have been flipped down. Crews have worked hot spots and opened blocked storm drains throughout the day. 

Pumps station crews will be on continuous 12-hour shifts starting tonight at 10pm until no longer needed.

Storm water crews will be working 7am-7pm Saturday.

 

Facility Closures: All Norfolk Recreation Centers, Public Libraries, including Slover Library, the Virginia Zoo and Nauticus will be closed on Saturday, September 3^rd.

 

Our messaging to our staff and community is as follows:

As the outer bands of the storm draw nearer, we’ll see an increase in rains and winds this evening.  By 6-7pm we should start seeing the rain, and by 3am, sustained winds will increase to the mid-30’s with gusts approaching 50mph.  Please secure any loose items around your home before going to bed!

By 11am, we are forecasted to have experienced 3-4” of rain with more on the way.  11am is also when the highest tide of this storm is supposed to peak.  There will be flooding in and around Norfolk, particularly between the hours of 9am-1pm.  If you live in a low-lying area vulnerable to surge flooding, you may park your vehicle(s) at any of the following locations:

·       York Street Garage located at 215 W. York Street.  The garage will open at 6:00 p.m. today.  Vehicles must be removed by 12:00 p.m. Sunday, September 4^th.  

      ·       Pretlow Anchor Branch Library – 111 W. Ocean View Ave.
      ·       Community Beach Park – 700 E. Ocean View Ave.
      ·       Crossroads School – 8021 Old Ocean View Road
      ·       Granby High School – 7101 Granby Street
      ·       Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
      ·       Willard Model School – 1511 Willow Wood Drive
      ·       Poplar Hall School - 5523 Pebble Lane

Also, everyone is encouraged to stay off the roads during this time!  Many drivers fell victim to last October’s storm; don’t be another.  It is also important to remind your children not to play in the flood waters due to potential of bacteria!

While the water is currently expected to recede after the 11am high tide, the high winds are expected to continue throughout Saturday night until around 6-7am Sunday morning.  There is a chance of rain though Sunday into Monday, but with little accumulation.
 

Remember to remain informed throughout by visiting Norfolk.gov, viewing TV48, checking Norfolk’s social media and registering for Norfolk Alert!

Thanks to everyone for your hard work and coordination!  Let's have a safe weekend and Go Team Norfolk!!!

Jim

 

 

Hermine Update 9-2-16 at 1130

All,

Norfolk is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning until further notice and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect from September 3, 02:00 AM EDT until September 3, 08:00 PM.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) participated in VDEM’s conference call.  There is no state declaration of emergency, but it is possible when they brief the Governor later today.  Such a declaration is necessary to allow for the pre-positioning / deployment of state resources.  To this point, the only request we have on the table is a National Guard high water vehicle and crew.

There are no significant changes to the forecast.  National Weather Service also reported potential rainfall to reach upwards of 7” (attached graph indicates over 5.5”).  While we’ve experienced a dry spell, this much rain + anticipated winds could result in downed trees and as a result, downed power lines.  With that amount of rain, tomorrow (Saturday) morning’s 11am high tide of 6.4’ (approaching major flood stage) is still the greatest risk.

We have identified some parking safe havens for our community which will be communicated later in the day.  In the meantime, big thanks to Norfolk Public Schools for their partnership!!

As we move forward, please encourage folks to visit Norfolk.gov and the City’s social media for updates.  The red “emergency” bar will be activated on the City’s webpage to communicate all updates, closures, etc.  This info will also be communicated on TV47.  Likewise, we ask you encourage everyone to register for Norfolk Alert (https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612694#/login), the other means by which we can alert our community of this weather event and all future (notice and no-notice) disasters.

At this time, all coordination over the weekend will be accomplished by Emergency Management staff in the Emergency Operations Center.  There are no Team Norfolk conference calls scheduled; however, this is subject to change based on conditions.  Likewise, these information updates will continue.

Thanks!

Jim

Hermine Update 9-2-16 0800

Team,

Here is the latest from the National Weather Service (below and attached):

“Please see the attached briefing summary for TS Hermine, centered over southern Georgia as of 5 am EDT this morning. The storm will pose a wind and surge threat to VA, NC, and MD. Heavy rainfall across NC and southeast VA could result in additional flooding Saturday.

As Hermine continues to lift north/northeast later today through Saturday, the storm may become a hybrid type storm, exhibiting characteristics of both a Tropical Storm and a nor'easter. This could result in the wind field becoming larger and more spread out with gusts on Saturday to around 40 mph even well inland. The storm is forecast to exit off the northeast NC coast Saturday morning and re-intensify somewhat Saturday afternoon and Saturday night offshore. Expect strong winds Saturday, especially near the coast, and as the storm slows down and stalls off the coast Sunday, winds will remain elevated, particularly over the VA/MD eastern shore. Expect moderate to severe coastal flooding for Hampton Roads as well as all zones adjacent to the ocean, similar to what occurred this past October. High waves along the coast will result in significant beach erosion. “

The most current hourly forecast is attached for your review.  There you will see the pickup in activity later this evening.  70% chance of rain beginning at 6pm.  Winds increasing around 7pm, throughout the night and through Saturday.  Graphic for rainfall forecast of 5.59” also attached.

Tide forecast has increased since the last update almost 1’.  To provide context, as the NWS is comparing this storm to that of Joaquin / Nor’easter of last October, the highest tide was 6.5’.  Our current forecast for tomorrow is 6.4'.  If you care to see how this might look in your specific area, visit TITAN at http://gisapp1.norfolk.gov/TITAN/HOME.aspx.  Remember, since the tide charts use MLLW and TITAN uses NAVD88, go with a foot lower in TITAN that what is reflected in the tide chart.  In other words, if a tide forecast is 6.4 MLLW, use 5.5 or 6.0 in TITAN’s flood layer.

Crews have begun their storm preparations yesterday to include the following:

• Vactor Trucks working hot spots city-wide (Wed-Fri)
• Road flooded signs will be flipped down late Friday
• Ohio Creek gate will be closed at low tide around 3pm on Fri
• Brooke Ave and Nauticus Ped Gate will be closed Friday afternoon
• Mason Creek gate will be closed Friday afternoon
• Pulling Gutter Buddies to minimize street flooding

All storm preparations will be complete by the end of the day on today.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has scheduled a conference call for 10am; expect an update very soon thereafter.  In the meantime, I am including some pics from that storm last October as reference of what can be expected.

 

Thanks!

 

Jim Redick
Director

Jim