Monday, February 17, 2025

State of local emergency declared in Virginia Beach as city ‘prepares for the worst’

Latest model from the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia has Hurricane Florence making landfall in the southern coast of North Carolina (Southside Daily photo/Courtesy of the National Weather Service)
Latest model from the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia has Hurricane Florence making landfall in the southern coast of North Carolina (Southside Daily photo/Courtesy of the National Weather Service)

VIRGINIA BEACH — City Manager Dave Hansen declared a local state of emergency Tuesday afternoon as the city prepares for a worst-case scenario.

Hansen has also activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center.

Virginia Beach Mayor Louis Jones said although Hurricane Florence’s current projected landfall is south of Wilmington, North Carolina, “the city is still preparing for the worst” and focused on informing residents in preparation.

Here’s the most current information from the city on its preparation for Hurricane Florence:

  • According to a news release from the city, there is free sand available in the back gravel parking lot of the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Virginia Beach residents may go there and fill up their own sandbags.
  • Trash collections will continue as normal through Wednesday. The City is suspending bulky item collections for Thursday and Friday. A decision regarding all collections is still pending, according to the news release.
  • The following items are prohibited inside any city shelters: smoking, alcohol, drugs, other illegal substances, pets (except assistance dogs), loud radios or televisions, matches, lighters and weapons of any kind (guns, knives, chains, etc.)

Related story: Virginia Beach prepares as Hurricane Florence strengthens to Category 4

  • From noon on Wednesday through noon on Monday, Virginia Beach residents may park their vehicles for free at the municipal garages at 9th and 30th streets in the resort area. Exit time will be Monday at noon or charges will begin. Based on weather conditions, the city may extend the exit date and times. Oceanfront parking is limited to 9th and 30th street garages only.
  • Residents may also park their vehicles at municipal garages at Town Center. No parking is available in the 24-hour reserved spaces at Town Center garages. These spaces are leased by residents, and towing will be enforced.
  • Contact Dominion Energy to report power outages at 866-366-4357.
  • 311 is available 24 hours a day for questions and reporting non-emergency conditions. Only call or text 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Information on closings and cancellations in Virginia Beach, as well as details on city shelters are also available at Southside Daily.

People wanting to donate funds can visit the Virginia Beach Hurricane Fund, which is administered by the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

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