Emergency Preparedness & Response

The Department of Emergency Preparedness and Response consists of two divisions which are also the central point of contact for Emergency Management and Emergency Communications (911).

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Sep 21

Potential Tropical Cyclone #16 (likely future Ophelia) Update

Posted on September 21, 2023 at 12:41 PM by Daniel Hudson

Team – 

Please see the latest from the National Weather Service and note our area is now under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch.  There is not much change from the earlier update except the NWS briefing slides show the eye of this system heading in our direction (after passing through NC).  This typically means stronger winds, but the current forecast still suggests gusts reading in the upper 40 mph range.

In addition to the last update…

  • All departments are taking steps to secure or relocate equipment in low-lying areas.   
  • General Services will be opening the York St. Garage & Brambleton Lot to residents beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 until 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24.
  • A STORM Incident has been created to track reported tropical system impacts.
  • A board is also being created in HSIN to help facilitate documentation and information sharing.

To be clear, the conditions do not call for a formal EOC activation, or any official evacuations, and there are no sheltering needs expected at this time.

More to come after the 2 pm VDEM/NWS Conference Call.

Thank you!

Jim Redick