VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — City officials in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, declared a local state of emergency. Officials in both cities issued statements urging citizens to stay off roads and opened emergency shelters.
“Citizens are asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” the City of Norfolk posted on Facebook. “A majority of the 9-1-1 calls are from citizens stranded in flooded vehicles. Norfolk will experience flooding during the next several high tide cycles. Storm-related debris is also clogging streets. The same floodwaters may delay firefighters response to stranded drivers. Residents are also reporting additional property damage due to the wake caused by drivers plowing through flooded streets.”
Norfolk has opened a shelter at Norview High School on Chesapeake Boulevard. People who need to been driven there can call 757-441-5610.
There is a similar flooding situation in Virginia Beach were a storm shelter at Cox High School was scheduled to open at 1 p.m.
“Police are urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads,” Virginia Beach city leaders posted on Facebook. “Many streets are flooded and some have downed trees and power lines. The city will update the list of road closures and other emergency information on www.VBgov.com.”
