McAuliffe declares state of emergency as forecasters say Joaquin could cause major problems in Va.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Thu Oct 1, 2015, 11:43 AM - Edit history (3)

Gov. McAuliffe declares state of emergency as forecasters say Joaquin could cause major problems in Va.

Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 11:45 pm

BY REX SPRINGSTON Richmond Times-Dispatch
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Weather forecasts grew increasingly dire Wednesday as the National Weather Service said a “perfect storm” of a hurricane and another system could drop 7 to 10 inches of rain on much of Virginia from tonight through the weekend. ... The storm could cause floods that require evacuations, and stiff winds could blow trees onto power lines, causing blackouts, forecasters said. ... “This is a potentially very dangerous weather pattern and forecasts will likely change over time,” the weather service said in a statement.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency, which makes it easier for state agencies to respond to flooding and other problems.
....

The hurricane could merge with a storm, similar to a nor’easter, that’s expected to develop off the coast of the Carolinas. That would create “a ‘perfect storm’ situation,” the weather service said. ... The coastal storm could drop about 3 to 5 inches of rain from central Virginia to the coast from tonight through Friday, said Lyle Alexander, a weather service meteorologist.

More rain — resulting in that 7 to 10 inches through Sunday — could fall over the weekend if Joaquin merges with the coastal storm, Alexander said.

ETA: more info.

Va. Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Impending Rain Storm, Hurricane

{snip a lot of blah, blah, blah}

Virginia officials issued the following tips for staying safe when flooding is expected (after the jump).

Get Ready

Download the free Ready Virginia app for iPhone® and Android™, which features a customizable emergency plan, a checklist for gathering emergency supplies and an “I’m Safe!” feature that allows you to quickly send a text message to let family and friends know you are safe.

Decide how and where everyone will meet up with each other if separated.

Choose an out-of-town emergency contact for your family and give that person’s phone number to each family member.

Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.

Prepare for flooding

Know the weather terms and what you should do:

Flood Watch or Flash Flood Watch: There is an increased possibility of flooding or a flash flood in your area.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will likely occur very soon. If emergency officials advise you to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is occurring. Seek higher ground immediately – don’t wait for official instructions.

Be prepared to evacuate. If evacuated, don’t return to your home until local officials say it is safe. After floodwaters recede, roads could be weakened and could collapse. Buildings might be unstable, and drinking water might be contaminated.

Use common sense and look for information. If water is rising quickly or you see a moving wall of mud or debris, immediately move to higher ground.

Do not walk through moving water. Look for areas where the water is not moving. What might seem like a small amount of moving water can easily knock you down.

Drive safely

Know the road conditions before you travel. Go to www.511Virginia.org or dial 511 from any phone for real-time traffic information and road condition reports.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If your vehicle becomes surrounded by rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground, if possible.

Flood water might cut off access to roads. Be prepared to stay where you are until floodwaters recede.

Stay informed

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media to know when flood watches and warnings are issued.
More flood preparedness information is available at www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/floods.

Other resources

If you need help, information or resources during or after the storm, call 211. Those with hearing impairments can call 711 to connect to the Virginia Relay Center for assistance with the call. Videophone users may dial 1-800-230-6977.

www.vaemergency.gov – go online or on your smart phone for statewide storm updates

@vdem – Twitter feed for storm updates from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Updated for the 21st century: you can also hear these broadcasts with scanner apps on mobile devices.

[underpants]

1. Good move Guv'nor

I am hitting the grocery store at lunch. I think I have a plan that will work.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Please make sure you have cells or a battery in your flashlight.

Also, don't forget your radio. Do you have a NOAA weather radio?

[underpants]

4. Had a NOAA but got rid of it. It went off ALL the time.

We have batteries for days, candles too. Food for 30-45 days.

BTW - my plan worked. Working on the bad side of town has one benefit - the stores were still packed with water etc.

[femmocrat]

3. Let's hope it veers away from the coast.

I have a family member who lives in SE VA.