PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning and a storm surge warning for the WAVY viewing area for this weekend, beginning Friday, Sept. 22.
The severe weather is expected to bring heavy rain, significant flooding and strong winds to our region.
The storm surge warning is in effect for the Hampton Roads area for the danger of life-threatening flooding, according to the National Weather Service. Such warnings are issued up to 36 hours before hazardous conditions begin. It says to urgently complete efforts to protect life and property, and follow any evacuation orders if given for the area to avoid drowning or being cut off from emergency services.
If you encounter a flooded road, do not drive on it if you cannot see the street.
City officials in several localities have alerted their residents of the incoming weather and some of the precautions they are taking. WAVY will update this post with any new information.
Hampton
The city parking garage on Settlers Landing Road at History Museum Way is available to anyone who needs to park away from a flood zone. Keep an eye on the city’s social media accounts for information on other outdoor events.
There is also a risk of flash flooding in non-tidal areas due to the predicted four inches of rain.
Norfolk
The York Street Garage in Downtown Norfolk will open to residents for free beginning Friday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. For additional weather updates from the City of Norfolk, sign up for Norfolk Alert at www.norfolk.gov/alert or text NORFOLKVA to 888-777.
Norfolk Public Schools announced that all school athletics and activities and practices would conclude by 6 p.m. Friday, and are all canceled for Saturday and Sunday due to the forecast. Friday night football games were moved to Thursday night, and JV games in Norfolk will be moved.
Public Works crews are clearing drains and ditches. Vactor trucks will operate all day Friday and remain on-call throughout the weekend, as will pump station staff and additional operations crews. The Nauticus pedestrian flood gate will be closed starting Friday morning.
Trash collection scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22, will be collected as usual. Residents should ensure that all items are bagged before placed in waste bins.
Virginia
Suffolk
No updates have been released at this time.
Portsmouth
No updates have been released at this time.
Chesapeake
No updates have been released at this time.
Newport News
No updates have been released at this time.
Virginia Beach
First Landing State Park is closing at 8 p.m. Thursday and will be closed through Saturday.
Northeastern North Carolina
Due to tropical storm strength winds and heavy rainfall forecast into the weekend, Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco and Ocracoke campgrounds will close at 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. The campgrounds will reopen once post-storm assessments are completed.
Visitors should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.
Ferry services to and from Ocracoke Island are likely to be suspended for periods of time. Call 252-996-6000 or 6001 for current information.
Check WAVY.com for the latest updates.