News Flash

Sept. 30, 2015 - Multiple storms this week are making weather predictions difficult, with forecasters offering a range of possibilities from minor coastal and rainfall flooding to something like 2003’s Hurricane Isabel. Hampton residents are urged to begin making preparations in case Hurricane Joaquin does threaten the Virginia coast this weekend.

The current storm is expected to dump between 3 and 7 inches of rain on the area through Thursday night or Friday morning. Friday morning tides are expected to be higher, causing minor flooding (similar to last week’s Nor’easter) or moderate flooding.

What happens after that depends on Joaquin, a Category 1 hurricane Wednesday afternoon that was threatening the Bahamas. One model suggests Joaquin will remain in the ocean and veer away from the coast, with minimal effects locally.

Another model offers the potential that it could come ashore in northern North Carolina or southern Virginia later Saturday or early Sunday - almost a direct hit. Or, the effects could be between those extremes, with Hampton seeing more rain and high winds, but not a direct hit.

Because of last weekend’s Nor’easter and the current storm, the soil is already wet and may have limited ability to absorb more rainfall.

City of Hampton emergency officials are closely monitoring the storms, and city departments are making emergency preparations. That includes having extra staff on standby and preparing to open a shelter if necessary.

Residents of low-lying areas or residents with special needs are urged to have plans in place. Everyone should check and update their preparedness supplies. Know your flooding risk and make appropriate plans.

Watch for updates on the news, on hampton.gov and Hampton’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Residents can sign up to receive emergency alerts via text or email at www.hampton.gov by clicking on the “Notify Me” button along the left side.

And, you can go to hampton.gov./emergency to get more information on:
• Hampton’s Office of Emergency Management, including information on weather, hurricanes and hurricane safety, flooding and flood safety.• Hampton’s surge zone map
• Hampton’s Tidal flooding brochure, including information on preparing your property, and making a disaster kit.• Current weather conditions from the National Weather Service
• Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management, including information on medical needs, pet preparedness and how older citizens can prepare for an emergency• The Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide

For general information during an emergency, contact the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 and continue to check www.hampton.gov.