Monday, October 29, 2012

Sandy #9 - Overnight update

    Tonight the rain could be heavy at times. Southwest winds 32 to 36 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph will increase the chance of property damage and power outage. Tomorrow the rain will continue and the wind will diminish. Yet the dangers remain because the ground is saturated and the lower winds can still down trees and cause power outage. Be careful in moving and driving and take all the usual precautions.

Sandy #8 - ROUTE 17

Portions of Route 17, just north of Tappahannock, in Essex County has water partially blocking the travel lanes.  The locations are on Route 17 north at June Parker Marina and Route 17 south at Mt. Landing Creek. 

Sandy # 7 - DOWNING BRIDGE

There are no plans to close the Downing Bridge. If winds get to 45 miles an hour VDOT will post signs and you cross at your own risk.

Sandy #6 CURRENT WEATHER STATUS


Current weather report from Harborside Storage at Garretts Marina weather station
http://www.harborsidestorage.com/weather/Current_Vantage_Pro_Plus.htm

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sandy # 5 - STATUS UPDATE SUNDAY PM

 
Sandy has not developed as fast as expected. All indications are that we still need to be alert to changing conditions. The storm is coming with all the intensity expected. Flooding, wind and the accompanying power outage is still to be expected. Use local media and Face Book to stay up with changes. Also use Face Book to tell officials and the public about any hazards that occur. http://www.essex-virginia.org

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sandy #4 - STATUS UPDATE


Sandy is expected to impact our area starting this evening with the peak impact coming Monday and Tuesday. We can expect 3-8 inches of rain with winds 20-30 miles an hour or better with gusts of 40-50 miles per hour. This is a lot of rain in short time and will extend for 3 days. Power outage should be assumed and preparation made. Do this immediately.
Those who have secured boats for high water the wind will shift direction late Tuesday and we will experience very low tides. Tides in our immediate area will rise 2 feet above normal.
Make previsions for your animals that normally stay outside.
Stay tuned to local media and visit Face Book [Essex County Emergency Management] for rapidly changing conditions.


Friday, October 26, 2012

Sandy #3 - PSA from FRIENDS OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK

In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, Friends of the Rappahannock would like to remind residents to secure hazardous materials and potentially polluting supplies such as fuel, oil, fertilizers on high ground, safe from rainfall and flooding. The Friends of the Rappahannock thank you for doing your part to keep the river clean and beautiful.

Sandy #2 - ESSEX COUNTY DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

Due to weather conditions related to Hurricane Sandy, at 11am today the Governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency, and at 4pm today the Director of Emergency Services has declared a State of Emergency for Essex County.

Wind speeds 30-40 miles per hour, gusts to over 55 mph, are expected to begin in the area on Saturday afternoon, lasting through through Wednesday. Heavy rain accumulations from 5-7" are anticipated from Saturday through Wednesday; storm surges of 2' – 5' can be expected with sustained high water for the duration of the storm.

County staff strongly encourages voluntary evacuation of the Lowery's Point, Lowery's Road, Coleman Island, Coleman Island Road, Shellfish Beach, Shellfish Beach Road, River Place and Grand View Beach at the low end and other low-lying areas prone to flooding due to potential accumulations of rainfall and storm surge. Voluntary evacuation of manufactured houses and houses with potential for damage from trees and potential access/egress issues is also strongly recommended.

Listen to your local radio station WRAR or WNNT for most current weather conditions as they will have the most pertinent information about local conditions.

SANDY #1 - EVACUATION OF LOW LYING AREAS

Residents living in the following areas of Essex County should be preparing to evacuate by Sunday, October 28th at 5pm at the latest...Lowery's Point, Lowery's Road, Coleman Island, Coleman Island Road, Shellfish Beach, Shellfish Beach Road, River Place and Grand View Beach at the low end and other low-lying areas prone to flooding due to potential accumulations of rainfall and storm surge. Voluntary evacuation of manufactured houses and houses with potential for damage from trees and potential access/egress issues is also strongly recommended. Staying in these areas will endanger you and anyone that might have to help you if you get in danger.  Essex County residents are encouraged to start preparing now by getting supplies together, medications, cash, food and gas. Prepare for the very real possibility of a power outage. Make arrangements now for the care of the elderly and children. Make a decision now where you will go in case you need to evacuate from your home.

For more info on prepareness go to http://www.essex-virginia.org/emergency