News Flash

Sept. 2, 2016 - Rain, heavy winds and flooding are expected this weekend because of Hermine, the slow-moving tropical storm that continues to travel up the East Coast. At 11 a.m. Friday the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for the area, meaning that tropical storm conditions are possible.

The Weather Service predicted that conditions in Hampton would be similar to – or worse than – the October nor’easter last year or Sandy in 2012. Although the center of the storm is expected to remain off the coast, forecasters note that Hermine is a very large storm that is more than 300 miles wide.

Rain could start as early as 8 or 9 p.m. Friday and should continue most of Saturday, with total rainfall of 4-6 inches. Saturday’s winds are expected to be 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Residents are encouraged to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary, and to make sure there’s nothing on their property that can be picked up by high winds. Saturday morning’s high tide at 11:09 a.m. is expected to cause moderate to major flooding.

Public parking for people whose streets may flood is available at the city parking garage on Settler’s Landing Road and on the third level of the parking garage at Peninsula Town Center. Also, Hampton residents are reminded that a new ordinance makes it illegal to drive on flooded residential streets in a way that pushes water into homes.

City Police, Fire, Social Services and other departments have staff on standby and are prepared to call in more workers as needed through the weekend. Public Works staff continues to check stormwater ditches for any debris that might block or slow down water movement. Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions, or H.E.L.P., the non-profit that helps people in crisis, is working with Social Services to care for the homeless. Because of the storm, the Saturday block party downtown has been cancelled.

Storm-related suggestions and tips from the Hampton and Virginia Departments of Emergency Management:
• Stay informed (More information)• Create an emergency kit for yourself and your family ( More information)
• Decide now if you might need to evacuate (More information)• September is National Preparedness Month, go online for more information on flooding, storm surges and information you can print out and save.
• Get flooding and flood safety information at hampton.gov.