Norfolk officials and residents prepare

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Although the Chesapeake Bay was peaceful Friday evening, residents living close to it felt that it was the calm before the storm.

"Depending on how bad they think it's going to be, I may leave this time," Willoughby resident Tutti Hubbard said.

The latest news on Hurricane Sandy

Like so many in her neighborhood in Norfolk, Hubbard has seen her share of storms. She remembers Isabel, Earl and Irene. Hurricane Sandy could be added to that list.

Photos: Hurricane Sandy

"You expect these storm every 20 years that isn't the case anymore," Hubbard said.

Down the street from Hubbard, Brian Martinez is busy battening down the hatches.

"The concern [on the second floor deck] is wind and as I move downstairs, the next concern is to pick up things that are susceptible to flooding," Martinez said.

High water is what Norfolk city officials are worried about the most. They say this storm could end up being a worst case scenario.

"It's going to be a prolonged event and it's transitioning into a Nor'easter," Jim Redick with Norfolk Emergency Preparedness and Response said. "The tides are really going be an issue. There is going to be high tide, and low tides really aren't going to exist. It's going to have a stacking effect of tides."

That could cause more and more water flooding city streets.

"The philosophy is, always run from the water and hide from the wind," Redick said.

Willoughby residents are hoping that a new area pump will help alleviate some of the flooding they have seen in the past. Sandy could be its first true test.

Officials recommend those in a flood zones stay with relatives or friends in other areas of the city. Shelters will be opening Saturday night. Locations will be finalized Saturday morning.

The City of Norfolk has also declared a state of emergency according to city spokeswoman Lori Crouch.

Officials say Norfolk high school football games Saturday, Oct. 27 have been postponed.

The following parking lots are available for public use:

• Garages at Boush Street, Freemason Street, York Street and MacArthur Center Garages North and South will be open for free use Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m.until Monday morning or until the flood waters recede
• Old Dominion University parking garages C and D adjacent to Ted Constant Center and E next to the football stadium will open Saturday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
• High elevation parking lots at Little Creek Elementary, Larchmont Elementary, Ingleside Elementary , Campostella and Blair Middle School are available for parking, but cars must be removed before schools open.

Workers in Norfolk are clearing storm drains to prevent blockage and higher flood levels.