Southside spared by Earl

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY.com) - Aside from some minor tidal flooding Friday afternoon near the Hague, the Southside was largely spared by Hurricane Earl.

Hurricane Earl's force was strong enough to knock over a motorcycle in Norfolk, but not strong enough to shake up Ron King. "This is a walk in the park," said the longtime Norfolk resident.

Aside from a little rain and wind, King said he hardly noticed the hurricane. "12:30 and at 4:30 this morning I walked around," said King.

Residents were also spared in Spartan Village, another area in Norfolk known for flooding.

"I was very surprised this morning when I woke up and it was like nothing had happened," said Abimbola Akinlosotu.

The city spent Thursday cleaning storm drains and removing items as large as a basketball hoop.

"I was hoping for the best, we were all hoping for the best," said Akinlosotu.

The best may be what the Southside got. Even drivers who took a chance parking their cars next to the Hague overnight lucked out.
Hurricane Earl barely left a calling card in this part of town.