UPDATED 2:30 PM THURSDAY
The bulk of the rainfall will be this afternoon through Friday afternoon and should taper off by Friday evening.
Tornadoes are possible across much of central and eastern Virginia this afternoon through Friday afternoon.
Strong wind gusts are possible as convective rain bands move across the state.
The combination of saturated grounds and gusty winds could bring down trees.
Within and around the 34th District, rainfall is forecast to amount to 1.5 to 2 inches, with wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour.
Minor to moderate river flooding is expected.
Through Friday evening, Debby is likely to produce the following threats across Virginia:
Flash Flooding
Minor to Moderate River Flooding
Tornadoes
Gusty Winds
Minor to Moderate Tidal Flooding
As the Commonwealth prepares for Tropical Storm Debby, it is important to make sure you monitor announcements from your local law enforcement and emergency response agencies -- see the bottom of this post for key local points of contact.
My office continues to receive updates from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), as well as the National Weather Service, the Virginia National Guard, VDOT, the Virginia State Police, and the Governor’s Office.
Yesterday, a disaster was declared by Governor Youngkin, which allowed the National Guard to be activated, a step also taken by our neighbor North Carolina. Rain is expected to pick up today (Wednesday), with the most severe weather impacts to Virginians expected to occur on Thursday and Friday. Northern Virginia is projected to receive up to six inches of rainfall, but there is no guarantee it will not be more than that. In some parts of the Commonwealth, including parts of Southside and Southeastern Virginia, it is possible that rainfall could reach 10 inches or more. By Saturday afternoon, the storm is expected to have passed us.
The emergency response resources of the Commonwealth are currently being deployed across Virginia in preparation for severe weather impacts; these are resources to help the public respond to emergencies as we feel the impact of the storm over the next three days. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact local emergency response authorities, through their non-emergency number, or if it is an emergency, by dialing 9-1-1.
While the impact is not expected to be as severe to the Commonwealth as our neighbors to the south, weather events can always change rapidly. Please begin planning and taking precautions now before the more severe part of the storm is expected to hit us on Thursday and Friday.
Virginia Dept. Of Transportation Guidance:
- Obey all “road closed” signage.
- “Turn around, don’t drown” - Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters.
- 6 inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
- 12 inches can move most cars
- 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks
- Be alert to debris, downed trees and power lines.
- Move over for emergency crews operating in or near roadways.
- Be alert to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges or taller structures. High-profile vehicles such as tractor trailers, SUVs or box trucks are especially vulnerable and should not cross a bridge when a High Wind Advisory is posted.
- Prior to travel, the public should check road conditions by calling 511, visiting www.511Virginia.org or checking the 511 Virginia mobile app.
No comments:
Post a Comment