Whatever Ian brings: As storm moves north, Hampton Roads preps for rain, flooding
Preparations for storm response were underway Thursday across Hampton Roads as the region braces for several days of rain and flooding brought on by the remnants of Hurricane Ian.
The near-Category 5 storm ripped off roofs, swept away vehicles and caused record-level flooding as it slammed the southwestern coast of Florida. It has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, through it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane again before making landfall Friday in South Carolina.
Hampton Roads isn’t expecting that level of damage, but state agencies, city governments and other groups are preparing for high winds, heavy rains and potential flooding from Friday to Monday.
Cities across Hampton Roads could will see up to 4 inches of rain by Friday night and another 2-4 inches over the weekend as a stalled cold front from the northeast combines with remnants of Ian. The National Weather Service in Wakefield advised that coastal areas may experience wind gusts up to 55 mph through Saturday morning, and there is a slight risk of tornadoes. Among the rain, the wind and the tides, there is a moderate risk of widespread flooding in low-lying areas.
Public works crews in cities across the region mobilized Thursday, with workers pre-staging equipment to clear downed trees, and cleaning out drains and ditches.
Meanwhile, Virginia State Police placed all available personnel on stand-by for emergency deployment across the commonwealth. Divers on the search and recovery team are pre-deploying based on projected rainfall patterns and vulnerable flood zones, according statement from the agency.
Kristopher Dumschat, communications manager for the American Red Cross in Virginia, said several volunteers from the commonwealth were already dispatched to Florida. Other volunteers are on standby to help in Virginia.
Red Cross volunteers provide various types of assistance, including medical services, meal delivery and mental health support, he said. An emergency response vehicle at the Red Cross’s Norfolk office is also ready to deploy, he said
“They will be driving around communities handing out different meals or go to a stationary point where people in an impacted community can meet up,” Dumschat said, adding the vehicles are also used to deliver cleaning supplies or comfort kits — which consist of items like blankets and flashlights.
Officials warned Virginians to be aware of the impending storm and flooding conditions and to take precautions to stay safe.
“Though Hampton Roads may not be in the direct path of Ian, I urge all Coastal Virginians to prepare now and make a plan for the potential impacts of sustained rain, severe weather, and tidal flooding in our region,” said Rep. Elaine Luria in a statement. “I implore everyone in Hampton Roads to follow instructions from local officials and stay weather aware through forecasts, official resources, and media outlets.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday.
State police urge residents who must travel during the storm to slow their speed, avoid driving through standing water, and to remember state law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.
Widespread power outages are not currently expected in Virginia, according to Bonita Billingsley Harris, director of media relations for Dominion Energy. However, she said coastal areas, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach and the Peninsula, are the most at-risk for power outages.
“We always say we hope it wont happen but hope is not a plan,” she said. “We will be ready just in case; crews are prepared to go wherever we are needed most to restore power.”
Harris said some of their crews in Virginia dispatched Thursday to help out in South Carolina.
“They are on the way but we made sure we kept back enough to assist our customers here,” she said.
Harris added residents should stay away from and immediately report any downed power lines.
To prepare for flooding, Elizabeth River Crossings is temporarily closing the Midtown Tunnel Thursday night to conduct tide gate testing. The westbound Midtown Tunnel will close from 10 to 11 p.m. The eastbound tunnel will close from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m.
For information about road closures or openings, residents can call the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 511 line, or visit its website.
City public works crews turned their attention to flooding-related issues as National Weather Service Wakefield predicted low-lying areas could see 2 feet of inundation.
Newport News public works crews began preparing for the storm Monday, and will begin 12-hour shifts Friday. The city’s Wastewater Division also topped off generators and bypass pumps, while the engineering department pre-staged barricades in low lying areas to block off streets if they flood, spokesperson Kim Lee said.
Chesapeake, Newport News and Norfolk cleaned or flushed storm drains and ditches, targeting low-lying areas that are prone to flooding, and Hampton mobilized public works trucks and placed crews on standby to rapidly clear impassible roads.
Portsmouth opened the second floor of its Middle Street and County Street parking garages at 6 p.m. Thursday for anyone needing to relocate their vehicle from a low-lying area. Vehicles can remain in the garages until Monday at 7 a.m. Trailers are not allowed and vehicles cannot park in reserved parking spaces.
In Virginia Beach, public works crews prepared for the storm by building sand berms on the beach to protect infrastructure including the parks, steps and ramps. The oceanfront city has also been clearing storm drains and making sure stormwater pump stations are working properly, said public works spokesperson Drew Lankford.
”We got crews out doing everything we can possibly do ahead of time,” he said. “A lot of what we’re doing today is making sure water can flow.”
Staff reporters Joshua Janney, Stacy Parker, Natalie Anderson, and Daniel Berti contributed to this report.
Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com
Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
