NORFOLK, Va. — Crews in Hampton Roads and North Carolina are no strangers to storm preparations. Public works crews are ramping up their usual maintenance of ditches and drains on Thursday ahead of a coastal weather system moving up the coast.
“We are prepared for flooding over an 18 to 24 hour period," said Hampton Spokeswoman Robin McCormick.
Chesapeake Public Works Director Earl Sorey said crews are spending their day checking known choke points along the city's drainage system.
With the storm expected to bring gusty winds and flooding rain, McCormick said there’s a lot to monitor.
"Once that storm surge hits, people think, 'Oh the coast is going to be bad,' but it pushes in to all the rivers and creeks," McCormick said.
Many city public works departments will closely watch known flooding hot spots, like in Chesapeake.
"We will have road closed signs, barricades, pre-positioned at those flood-prone areas and they will be able to be rapidly deployed as needed," Sorey said.
In Norfolk, residents can seek higher ground for their cars. Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, a Norfolk spokeswoman said they will open the York Street garage free of charge. That will stay free until Sunday at 9 a.m.
Bryan Clark, a Virginia Beach spokesperson, said operating departments are preparing by checking storm drains and pump stations, inspecting and securing equipment and reviewing staffing. A sand berm was also built, east of the main Neptune Festival tent.
The city also has high water vehicles staged and bucket trucks ready for downed trees, Clark said.
On the Outer Banks, Dare County Department of Emergency Management urges people to drive carefully this weekend. They say N.C. Highway 12 could have ocean overwash in vulnerable spots.
People living in Hampton Roads can help crews by cleaning their homes and playing it safe.
“Don’t leave your trash at the curb early because it may flood and float and clog storm drains which are going to make it worse on your street," McCormick said. "But also we expect a significant amount of road flooding. So, remember if you are driving if you can’t see the street for the water don’t plunge in. Turn around don’t drown.”
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management says people should also bring loose patio furniture or garden items inside, and trim or remove any loose branches and trees that could fall.