Norfolk experiences tidal flooding

NORFOLK, Va. - The flooding in Norfolk continued and worsened Thursday. Some areas were reporting several feet of water.

Norfolk public schools were on a two hour delay Thursday due to the conditions.

Certain streets, like those around the Hague, began to flood Wednesday afternoon as the high tide came in and heavy rains drenched the area.

Emergency managers in Norfolk met Wednesday afternoon to discuss strategies for dealing with the Nor'easter.  The city released the following Wednesday night:

The City is monitoring the current nor’easter and wishes to provide residents guidance about the potential for flooding in low lying areas, especially areas near rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. We are basing our announcement on the forecast from the National Weather Service.

In addition, the Thursday trash collection has been postponed until Saturday. Residents are urged to keep trash bins away from curb until that time

Because winds are out of the northeast, flooding is expected to occur especially during periods of high tide. High tides during Thursday and Friday are:

Thursday – 5:08 a.m. and 5:31 p.m.
Friday – 6:13 a.m. and 6:35 p.m.

Areas of the city that may experience tidal flooding include:

East Ocean View
Willoughby
Colonial Place to 38th
Larchmont
Edgewater

Residents are urged to use care during periods of high tide and to not drive through flooded roads. Flooding may occur from approximately 3 – 8 a.m. and 3-8 p.m. on both days. Major roads ordinarily subject to tidal flooding include: Hampton Blvd. between ODU and the Hampton Blvd. Bridge; Colley Ave. north of the bridge; Tidewater Drive south of Brambleton; westbound Brambleton between the Brambleton Bridge and Colley; Olney and Virginia Beach Blvd. and streets in Ocean View and Willoughby and streets around the Hague. Again, these areas are among those likely to experience flooding at times of high tide.

The City is suggesting alternate routes, including the interstates, and the following corridors:

North-South corridor: Military Highway and Granby Street

East-West corridor: Princess Anne and Lafayette Blvd.

The City also urges businesses to consider staggering work hours to help employees avoid areas of high tide.

Because the forecast calls for sustained winds of 30-40mph, with higher gusts, there may be some downed trees and power outages.

The City is in the process of notifying residents in areas projected to experience flooding, identifying streets that may experience tidal flooding (through its automated phone messaging system). The message is informing residents of periods of high tides, intersections that may flood, and alternative routes for them to consider. .

Residents are urged to monitor media, Channel 46 and www.norfolk.gov for updates.

Click here for parking information for Norfolk residents in low-lying areas.