A tropical storm warning has been issued for both James City and York counties as Tropical Storm Isaias travels up the East Coast.
The storm is expected to impact the area late Monday night into Tuesday and exit the region some time Tuesday afternoon.
York County has declared a local emergency. Trash and recycling collections scheduled for Tuesday have been cancelled. County offices and courts are also closed Tuesday, and the Aug. 4 Board of Supervisors’ work session has also been cancelled, according to a news release from the county.
The reopening of the Tabb and Yorktown Libraries has been rescheduled for Wednesday.
There are two parking lots open where York County residents may take their boats, trailers, campers, and other vehicles: The McReynolds Athletic Complex, 412 Sports Way and Chisman Creek Park, 1314 Wolf Trap Road.
York County is not opening an evacuation shelter at this time.
In James City County, curbside recycling will not be collected on Tuesday. Blue recycling will be picked up a day later than normally scheduled.
As of 1:01 p.m. Monday, the city of Williamsburg has yet to reach a decision regarding local closures and cancellations.
The city sent out a news release at 5:50 p.m. Monday, saying city offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday. The Prince George Parking Garage will offer free parking beginning at 7 p.m. Monday for residents who need a place to park their vehicles.
Republic plans on collecting trash Tuesday, but that could change depending on weather conditions, city officials said.
Williamsburg-James City County courts — Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations — including the courthouse will be closed Tuesday.
Most James City County offices, the Recreation Center and other facilities will open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Visit the website for any changes due to COVID-19.
Williamsburg Regional Library will open at 2 p.m. The county’s two outdoor pools at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Upper County Park will be closed Tuesday. Regular operating procedures will be in effect for the indoor pool at the James City County Recreation Center which specify that pools close during and at the approach of thunder and lightning.
Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, as well as its Central Support Complex, will be closed Tuesday.
William & Mary’s will be closed for on-campus Tuesday and remote work, said university spokeswoman Suzanne Clavet.
A reopening time will be set once damage assessments have been made and communicated via the university’s emergency messaging system. Essential personnel should contact their supervisors. Only those employees required to be on campus on Tuesday should be there, Clavet said.
We are closing Tuesday, August 4 due to Tropical Storm Isaias. The Historic Area sites, trades, and programs, as well as the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will be closed for the safety of our guests and staff. Our hotels remain open. Updates: https://t.co/Zz03ZZNE4g pic.twitter.com/D8c7pq4Ngk
— ColonialWilliamsburg (@colonialwmsburg) August 3, 2020
Winds are expected to be between 40 to 50 mph but could reach speeds up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Wakefield. There is the potential for downed trees and power lines. There is also a marginal risk for tornadoes Monday night.
The National Weather Services advises removing loose items from your yard and trimming broken tree branches.
Expected rainfall for the storm is between two to four inches, said Eswar Iyer, forecaster for the National Weather Service.
The rest of the week calls for daily chances of rain showers and thunderstorms. A flash flood watch has been issued for the area until Tuesday evening.
Information regarding hurricane evacuation plans can be found here. Residents are advised to shelter in place, prepare for power outages, and avoid travel, if possible.
Virginia State Parks are also closing effective 5 p.m. Monday.
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