News Flash

Sept. 8, 2018 - The National Weather Service said that Tropical Storm Florence is expected to intensify in coming days, become a major threat next week as it moves towards the U.S. coast.

Florence's path continues to be unpredictable, but Wakefield meteorologist Jeff Orrock said that based on forecast and model trends "there is increasing confidence that the East Coast may feel impacts from Florence mid to late week." 

Hampton city officials are making plans in case the storm moves this way. Public Works crews will be doing increased maintenance of ditches, generators are being filled, and all departments are making emergency plans.

So far, the exact point of impact can't be predicted. As of Friday, Florence was still far at sea northwest of Puerto Rico, moving northeast at about 7 mph. The weather service, and Hampton's Office of Emergency Management, urges everyone to review their hurricane plans and to check their disaster supplies. 

Although the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, September is the most active month. September is also National Hurricane Preparedness Month. State and local emergency management officials urge residents to: 

• Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
• If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
• Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
• Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. 
• You can go online to learn about creating a disaster supply kit and about hurricane preparedness.

City officials will continue monitoring the storm through the weekend and into next week.