As the Historic Triangle awaits Hurricane Dorian and its anticipated 3 to 4 inches of rain and 55-plus mph winds, localities and utilities — as well as residents — are bracing for the impact.
The Williamsburg area isn’t expected to see as much rain and flooding as the Southside, but Dominion and area localities are preparing nonetheless.
Here’s what to know about storm preparations in Historic Triangle localities:
James City County
As of 9 a.m. Thursday, James City County said its officials were continuing to monitor the hurricane and make “needed preparations.”
Parts of the Hampton Roads area is under a storm surge warning, meaning there’s a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coast.
Recycling will not be collected on Friday. The updated schedule will be posted at a later time.
Residents should sign up for JCC Alert to receive important information from the county during emergencies. The county will also update its website, Facebook page, Twitter and alert page with updates throughout the storm.
The county also recommends residents bring loose lightweight objects inside that could turn into projectiles during high winds. Objects that can’t come inside should be anchored outside.
Drainage near the home should be cleared so runoff can properly drain.
Residents should make sure they have an emergency plan in place in case they need to evacuate or leave their homes due to power outage or damage.
And, as always, an emergency kit with critical supplies such as food, flashlights and important documents should be kept on-hand.
York County
York County continues to monitor the storm and post updates on its Facebook page.
At 9 a.m. Thursday, the county declared a local emergency.
All York County School Division after-school and evening activities are canceled for Thursday.
All schools in York County will be closed Friday and all after-school activities are canceled.
Programs on school property such as Champions will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Boys & Girls Club is open Thursday.
The county said no widespread evacuation order is expected, but residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding should prepare their homes and families as they would for any “significant storm event.”
Residents who want to move their vehicles to safer areas can park in the Chisman Creek Park, 1314 Wolf Trap Road, and McReynolds Athletic Complex, 412 Sports Way, which will be patrolled by the sheriff’s office for additional security.
Residents may not park their vehicles at county schools.
Trash collection has been suspended for Friday. Residents whose trash is normally collected on Fridays should put their trash bins at the roadside by 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
Labor day also resulted in Thursday’s recycling collections being pushed back to Friday, so those customers will need to put out their recycling on Saturday. Friday recycling collections that were pushed back to Saturday will now be pushed to Monday. Next week’s customers will have recycling pickup delayed by one day as well.
Emergency alerts and local updates will be posted on the York County Facebook page and on the county website.
Friday’s Rhythms on the Riverwalk concert featuring Good Shot Judy has been rescheduled for Oct. 11.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg has had multiple conference calls with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management ahead of Hurricane Dorian, officials said Wednesday afternoon.
If necessary, the city will activate its emergency operations center, although it wasn’t planning to as of Wednesday evening. City Public Works also has equipment ready to clear trees or debris after the storm.
City officials have moved recycling collection on day next week. Recycling normally collected on Monday will be picked up Tuesday, while Tuesday’s recycling customers will have pickup Wednesday.
Emergency updates for the city can be found on the city website, on its e-notification system, Facebook and Twitter.
City officials are asking residents to bring in their trash cans off the street and make sure they’re anchored safety so they don’t get blown around.
Outdoor furniture and potted plants should also receive the same treatment.
In an area known for being a retirement community, the city also asks people to check on their neighbors and the elderly.
