GOVERNOR GILMORE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO TROPICAL STORM DENNIS

Virginia Department of Emergency Services
CONTACT: Janet L. Clements (804) 674-2409

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 4, 1999
News Release No. 1

 

RICHMOND, VA -- Governor Jim Gilmore this evening declared a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Dennis, which re-intensified before making landfall in North Carolina earlier tonight. The leading edge of Dennis spawned tornadoes in Hampton earlier today which damaged several hundred apartments. The National Weather Service expects the remnants of Dennis to track across Virginia during the next 24 hours.

"This is a serious storm, and citizens need to take all appropriate actions to safeguard themselves and their property," said Governor Gilmore. "I urge residents along the projected path of Dennis to follow weather conditions and monitor news updates closely for further information on this storm from state and local officials."

The Governor has also requested that the President declare a major disaster declaration for those already affected by the storm.

Gilmore's declaration authorizes state agencies such as Transportation, State Police, Health, Social Services and the Virginia National Guard to support local and state emergency operations. State and local officials have been monitoring this storm for the past two weeks. The Governor has directed the Virginia Department of Emergency Services to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA).

The National Weather Service predicts that Tropical Storm Dennis could cause high winds, heavy rains, and flooding across central, southeastern and Northern Virginia. The Virginia Department of Emergency Services has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate state agency response with that of local jurisdictions.