EFFECTS OF HURRICANE ISABEL REACH VIRGINIA

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236
CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
                       (804) 674-2400

Release #3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 18, 2003
 

EFFECTS OF HURRICANE ISABEL REACH VIRGINIA

RICHMOND, VA – Hurricane Isabel began hitting Southeastern Virginia early this morning with tropical storm force winds. Virginia emergency response personnel are in place and ready to provide assistance.

Six to 10 inches of rain are expected to fall in parts of Virginia by 8 p.m., with localized heavier rains. Flooding of low-lying areas could occur across Virginia, and historic storm surges are expected for much of Virginia's coast as far north as Chincoteague. Inland flooding and flash flooding could occur because of heavy rainfalls.

Strong winds up to hurricane force - more than 74 miles per hour - are expected as far inland as the metropolitan Richmond area by 9 p.m. today. Tropical storm force winds - more than 39 mph - could reach central Virginia this morning and may last as long as 24 hours.

"Isabel is still a potentially dangerous storm that will affect much of Virginia," said Michael Cline, state emergency management coordinator. "As the wind and rain begin moving westward from the coastal areas, Virginians should be prepared for the possibility of flooding, wind damage and loss of electrical power."

The Virginia State Police have pre-positioned additional troopers into the eastern part of the state. The National Guard has activated 213 personnel and positioned them strategically throughout the state. The National Guard is positioning equipment ahead of time to assist with emergency rescue and response. About 150 members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's regional and emergency response teams are on hand in Richmond.

Before Isabel reached shore, 85 Red Cross-approved shelters had opened statewide sheltering almost 4,000 people. Additional shelters are scheduled to open today.

Residents in low-lying at risk areas that have not evacuated are encouraged to contact their local officials or listen to local stations for updated information before making a decision to evacuate or remain in place.

People who have not left low-lying coastal areas that are considered at risk need to be prepared to be on their own for a period of time. All Virginians in the path of the storm should be prepared to be without electrical power for several days to a week. Residents also should watch out for downed trees, power lines and weakened structures as the storm passes through.

Everyone in the path of the storm is encouraged to make last-minute preparations: have disaster kits ready and stay tuned to local stations for directions during the storm. Residents should have plenty of extra batteries on hand, three days of food and water, and a plan in place in case it is necessary to leave.

People also should not venture into flooded areas or drive through flooded roads. Though the water may look shallow, it is possible the road has been washed away beneath the water.

Local emergencies were declared Wednesday in the counties of Accomack, Caroline, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Gloucester, Greensville, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, Middlesex, York, Richmond and the cities of Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Hampton, Newport News, Petersburg, Poquoson and the town of Chincoteague.

In low-lying coastal areas, local mandatory evacuations have taken place in the town of Chincoteague, the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson and Virginia Beach and the counties of Northampton and York.

For more information on hurricane safety and other updates, check the Virginia Department of Emergency Management web site (www.vaemergency.com).