South Tidewater News

Virginia Beach Emergency Management is monitoring a weather system that could bring heavy rain, rough surf, increased possibility of flooding and tropical storm-force winds to Virginia Beach. The worst of the weather looks to start early Saturday morning and into the day.

City departments have been making appropriate storm preparations such as checking storm drains and pump stations, building berms to protect infrastructure like the main Neptune Festival tent, inspecting and securing equipment, and securing additional staffing to support emergency conditions. High water vehicles and bucket trucks for downed trees are staged in preparation.

“The Emergency Management team works year-round to plan and prepare for storm response. While the track of this storm is still unpredictable, we want residents to take action today to protect property and to stay safe,” said David Topczynski, director of Emergency Management. “We are prepared for all scenarios.”

As of this morning, the City is currently under normal operating conditions. There are no known facility closures at this time. Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has announced that all after-school activities and programming are canceled today with the exception of Parks and Recreation after-school programs. At this time, all VBCPS school and school use activities are also canceled for the remainder of the weekend.

Emergency Management continues to monitor the storm path with the National Weather Service/Wakefield (NWS) and will make any further adjustments early Friday afternoon as exact arrival of weather is determined.

Parking

City garages are now open to move personal vehicles into covered shelter and higher ground. Virginia Beach residents may park their vehicles for FREE in Resort Area municipal garages at 9th and 31st streets through noon on Sunday, Sept. 24. When entering, pull a ticket from the kiosk. Scan ticket at the kiosk to exit garage by Sunday at noon to avoid charges.

Parking is also available at four municipal garages at Town Center. Individuals looking to move their vehicles to higher ground may not park in the 24-hour reserved spaces at the Town Center garages. These spaces are leased by residents, and towing will be enforced. Be aware that if garages lose power, lighting and elevators will not be operable.

• Maroon Garage (Apex Entertainment VB)
• Red Garage (Westin Hotel)
• Green Garage (Armada Hoffler Tower)
• Orange Garage (Clark Nexsen Tower)

Residents are encouraged to take these simple steps to prepare:

• Clear any obvious blockages from around storm drains and ditches in your area. Do not block storm drains with yard debris bags or any other objects.
• Remove and secure objects outside your home and business that may become projectiles during high winds, like lawn furniture and potted plants.
• Sign up for VBAlert to get emergency alerts from the City of Virginia Beach via text message and/or email.
• Have a family emergency plan in place. Plan and practice evacuation routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground.
• Visit www.Ready.gov for a good list of supplies to have on hand, including drinking water, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, a radio, flashlight and batteries, phone charger and blankets.
• Know Your Zone. The evacuation zones—designated A through D—clarify whether a resident should vacate in an emergency, or shelter at home or in their place of business – based on their address and the nature of the emergency. Find your designated zone at www.KnowYourZoneVA.org.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and monitor local news for severe weather updates and directions provided by local officials.
• Learn more about steps you can take now to prepare for an emergency. Look for emergency preparedness information at virginiabeach.gov/ReadyVB and ready.gov/severe-weather.

Stay Informed

For the latest news and updates from the City of Virginia Beach:

• Visit VirginiaBeach.gov
• Follow the City on social media: @CityofVaBeach on Facebook, Instagram and X
• Citizen Services: 311 is available 24 hours a day for questions and reporting non-emergency conditions. Please only call or text 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
• VBTV: Cox Cable 46, 47 & 48 and Verizon Cable 45, 46 & 47 will display emergency information, including our City operational status and facility closures.

Original source can be found here.