News Flash

Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting has declared a state of emergency for the City of Hampton as of 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

The National Weather Service is predicting significant multi-day coastal flood event with damaging winds and flooding in low-lying areas starting Monday, Oct. 3, and lasting through Tuesday, Oct. 4. Sustained winds of 30-40 mph are possible, with wind gusts up to 60 mph. While the sustained winds will start Monday afternoon, gusts could be seen much sooner. Major flooding is expected to reach 6.9 feet above mean lower low water at Sewell’s Point and Fort Monroe (flooding during Hurricane Sandy hit 6.8 feet). This storm will be spread over at least two high tide cycles — so while the water will be lower, it will be with us longer. 

Areas that are prone to flooding include but are not limited to: Grandview/Beach Road, Harris Creek, Buckroe Beach, Southwest Branch of the Back River, Hampton River, Tidemill Creek, Indian Creek, and Newmarket Creek. Residents in low-lying areas should be preparing to evacuate to hotels or to friends and family inland. 

Hampton’s stormwater crews are working around-the-clock to clear ditches and storm drains. Public Works is also testing and getting generators ready. Human Services is putting together plans for shelters in case they are needed. We recommend that residents make similar preparations — check emergency supplies, have copies of important documents, refill prescription medication as necessary, etc. Residents of low-lying areas, particularly those in Zone A, should have a plan for what they will do if conditions warrant an evacuation. To check your zone, go to knowyourzone.org.

Closings and Cancellations:

• Hampton City Schools has canceled school and after school activities for Monday.  
• City Hall, offices, facilities and other in-person non-emergency services will be unavailable starting at 12:00 p.m. Monday. Please contact a specific department for online or virtual services.

Residents can get Hampton-specific information by:

• Visiting hampton.gov frequently for updates.
• Calling 311 (757-727-8311 from outside Hampton or from a cell phone).
• Signing up for free email updates at hampton.gov/enews. 
• Visiting facebook.com/HamptonVA or twitter.com/cityofhampton.

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