Folks –
Here is this morning’s NWS update. The EOC also just participated in a NWS / VDEM briefing. There is little change in the overall forecast; however, that little change is not for the better.
Most importantly, I encourage you to look at the Tide chart. Monday afternoon’s high tide is forecasted to reach nearly 7’. That bears repeating. 7’ is well in the Major flood level and something we’ve not experienced in over a decade. I refer back to the list of historic flood events. Tomorrow’s flooding will not only make that list but will likely rank #6. Again, TITAN will help you see what 7’ looks like in our community. Just use 6’ in the program to allow for the differences in datums used by the NWS and the TITAN program. Remember too TITAN does not show the additional effects of wave activity or rainfall.
The Hourly forecast again shows the winds and the rain will arrive tonight. Wind gusts show around mid-40mph, but can be stronger in areas along the coast (i.e. Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Given the duration of these high winds and the current degree of ground saturation, this will very likely result in more trees down and more power outages.
City Manager Dr. Filer has already scheduled a Policy Group meeting to discuss this afternoon.
Ladies and gents, if this forecast holds it will surely be a significant event. Norfolk has made a request for high-water resources through VDEM.
Please send any questions or requests to EOC-Plans@norfolk.gov.
Thanks,
Jim Redick
Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response