UPDATE: Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm in Steinhatchee, Florida on Aug. 5 with winds as high as 80 mph. The storm will head out over the Atlantic where it will likely gain strength later this week.
The National Weather Service said Monday morning that the Hampton Roads area could begin seeing showers and thunderstorms associated with tropical moisture move into the area starting as early as Wednesday morning, however, later forecasts have pushed those estimates later into the week, and the storm could potentially continue to impact the area into the weekend. Heavy rainfall and flooding are the main threats for the area later this week. With the ground already saturated from recent storms, trees and power lines will likely be at risk.
Area officials, as well as state officials, have been urging those in Hampton Roads to prepare — for both humans and pets — since the beginning of hurricane season on June 1.
Hurricane Season Kicks off June 1, Hampton Roads Residents Urged to Prepare
Originally published May 31, 2024
YORK COUNTY — Hurricane season kicked off on June 1 and emergency management officials in York County are providing education to residents in light of NOAA’s prediction of a bad season.
Sean Segerblom, Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management for York County, has been meeting with other local and state officials to discuss emergency plans should a bad storm hit the Hampton Roads coastline.
Yorktown’s last major impact storm was Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Segerblom was a member of the fire department during that storm and recalled working long shifts and tending to all kinds of emergencies.
“It came on shore down south as a category two storm, but by the time it got here, it was tropical storm strength. It just ripped this place up and tore it apart and that was just a tropical storm,” Segerblom recalled.
Segerblom offered the following tips to residents: make a kit, plan ahead, and secure your home.
“Ensure you have a basic emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and essential medications. Create a family emergency plan. Know your evacuation zone, and routes, and have a communication plan in place. Secure your home by reinforcing windows, doors, and roofs. Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items to prevent them from becoming projectiles,” Segerblom said.
Know Your Zone, a program through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, shows all hurricane evacuation zones throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors to the site can put in an address or zip code and can easily find out which evacuation zone they are in.
“Understanding your evacuation zone helps residents know when and where to evacuate in case of a hurricane. It ensures that they can avoid the most dangerous areas and seek safe shelter. Proper knowledge can save lives and reduce panic, and ensure a smooth evacuation process,” Segerblom said.
When it comes to the businesses in York County, Segerblom offered the following advice.
“Develop a business continuity plan that includes how your business will operate during and after a hurricane. Consider backup power solutions and ways to protect essential documents and equipment. Ensure that all employees are aware of the hurricane preparedness plan. Practice evacuation and sheltering plans regularly. Maintain clear lines of communication with employees and customers regarding business operation adjustments due to weather threats,” Segerblom said.
In the end, Segerblom wants residents, business owners, and visitors just to be safe.
“The safety of our community is a top priority. By preparing in advance, we can mitigate the impacts of hurricanes and ensure that York County remains a safe place for everyone. Let’s stay informed, prepared, and connected as we face the hurricane season together,” Segerblom said.
To stay up-to-date and in the know, residents can sign up for York Alert, a notification system that provides critical information quickly.
For more information on Virginia’s emergency management efforts, visit vaemergency.gov.
