Florence Update: VA Sends Aid To Carolinas, Southwest VA

In light of now-Tropical Storm Florence's devastation in the Carolinas and potential flooding on the way in southwest Virginia, emergency managers in Virginia are shifting resources to assist.

Federal and resources were stockpiled in central and coastal Virginia when forecasters initially thought the state would be in Florence's path. However, Florence's track moved southward and made landfall Friday morning Hurricane Florence made landfall about 7:15 a.m. Friday near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, with sustained winds of about 90 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

On Saturday, the state shipped 4,000 box lunches to Clinton, North Carolina to aid residents there, according to a news release from Gov. Ralph Northam's office. These were unused meals from Virginia hurricane shelters that have since closed. The Virginia National Guard has also deployed 25 high-wheeled vehicles and 50 personnel to assist with rescue operations in North Carolina. Other personnel will assist with sheltering, healthcare and response operations as requested by North and South Carolina emergency management.

"I have been in contact with the governors of North and South Carolina and have offered the Commonwealth’s full support as our neighbors respond to catastrophic flooding associated with Florence," Northam said in a statement. "In Virginia, we are still expecting up to 12 inches of rain in Southwest and up the I-81 corridor, and as a result are repositioning state and federal assets to prepare for flooding and possible landslides early next week. Virginia is still in the path of storm once it makes its expected northern turn and now is not the time to let our guard down."

Swift water rescue teams have been stationed in southwest Virginia in preparation for potential rescues. These include swift water rescue teams from Utah, California, Tennessee and Mississippi, as well as incident management teams from Colorado and California.

Virginia's own emergency teams are also in southwest Virginia, and any unused resources will go to the Carolinas. The state is planning for long-term relief efforts in the Carolinas as well.

The governor's office urges southwest Virginia residents to plan ahead for flooding and use caution when traveling on the roads. When encountering flooded roads, drivers should "turn around, don't drown." Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car. To see road conditions, visit www.511Virginia.org.

The National Hurricane Center's latest projection shows Florence slowly moving west across eastern South Carolina. Heavy rains and severe flooding continue across parts of North and South Carolina. The storm is gradually weakening in the next few days and could be a tropical depression by Saturday night.

There's a chance the remnants could bring some rainfall to the DC area, and already saturated grounds could lead to more flooding.

On Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam lifted the mandatory evacuation of residents in Zone A of Hampton Roads, the eastern Shore, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula following the National Weather Service lifting the tropical storm warning for coastal Virginia.

(Stay on top of all the latest Hurricane Florence news with our free, real-time news alerts, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook.)

Flooding Preparation Tips

Northam urges residents in southwest Virginia to brace for flooding. Here are some preparation tips from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family emergency communications plan. Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for recommended emergency kit contents.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, electric panel and other utilities in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
• Purchase flood insurance to protect your home, your business and your family’s financial security from the costs associated with flood damage.

MORE HURRICANE COVERAGE:

• 7 Dead, Evacuations In Central NC Ahead Of Florence Flooding
  
• Trump OKs Disaster Relief In North Carolina
• Here's How Much Rain Florence Has Dumped On NC So Far
• How FEMA Is Responding To Hurricane Florence In North Carolina
• Hurricane Florence Makes Landfall: Life-Threatening Storm Surge
• Free Airbnb Housing Offered In Virginia For Florence Evacuees

Kelly McGuire walks her dogs Jack and Roxy on a mostly deserted oceanfront beach, Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, in Virginia Beach, Va., as the effects of Hurricane Florence are felt. Image via Alex Brandon/Associated Press