News Flash

Oct. 9, 2016 – Hampton has received 10.2 inches of rain in the east-southern portion the city, as Matthew stalled its course and battered areas overnight. Upper portions of the city fared a little better, with 8.9 inches at Langley Air Force Base and 7.2 in the Bethel area. Rainfall is expected to taper off mid-morning.

Wind levels, however, will remain about 30 mph until around 3 p.m., with gusts of up to 47 mph. Levels will drop a little - to about 23 mph through evening and then around 17 mph overnight.

More than one-quarter of the city was without power at 8 a.m. - 18,247 customers, according to dom.com. The number grew overnight.

Public Works responded to about 40 calls of trees down and blocking roads, and crews have cleared 33 of them. The others have power lines, and crews are awaiting assistance from Dominion.

Phenix school was opened as a shelter Saturday evening, largely to accommodate residents of Paula Maria. Evacuation efforts began there about 6 p.m., and teams made several return visits. The shelter currently has 43 occupants. Most are from Paula Maria, but some are from Century Plaza and Waypoint.

More than three dozen roads were reported flooded, with reports beginning to come in before 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Those were primarily due to rain flooding initially. The overnight coastal impacts were as predicted, with a level of moderate flooding. Tides are expected to reach that level again during this afternoon's high tide, around 3:45 p.m.

Fire and Rescue helped several residents trapped in cars on flooded streets. Residents are reminded not to drive on flooded roads. It is also illegal to drive on flooded roads in a way that could push water into homes.

Public Works is deploying generators to the 20 most critical intersections to operate traffic signals; however, drivers should use caution at intersections.

Due to power outages and road conditions, Hampton libraries will be closed Sunday. Phenix school remains open as a shelter.