Hurricane Dorian Norfolk: Flash Flooding Reported, Shelters Open

NORFOLK, VA — Storm surge flood reports are starting to crop up in Norfolk Friday afternoon as Hurricane Dorian moves away from southeast Virginia and residents take to social media to share images and video of rising water in their neighborhoods.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Norfolk and other cities including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth through 3:30 p.m. Friday. According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, up to three inches of rain fell in these areas by 9:27 a.m., and another 1 to 3 inches were expected to fall through the afternoon.

According to the NWS, residents should expect to continue to see water rise across Hampton Roads as high tide approaches around 4 p.m.

The city has opened parking garages to residents who need a place for their vehicles, and one shelter is open. Nearly 70 residents and two dogs have sought shelter, the city said Friday.

The city of Norfolk warned residents to expect "very high" afternoon tides and warned them to take precautions now.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, the center of Dorian was located 125 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., according to the Capital Weather Gang. Dorian is expected to remain a Category 1 hurricane into Saturday afternoon before it transitions into a post-tropical storm.

In Norfolk and Virginia Beach, winds were gusting around 40 mph Friday afternoon near after peaking near 65 mph earlier in the day.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian Virginia: 48K Power Outages, Flash Flood Warning
• Hurricane Dorian: Cars Careen Onto Virginia Beach Boardwalk

City parking garages available to residents now until Saturday, Sept. 7, at noon:

• Fountain Park Garage, 130 Bank Street
• Main Street Garage, 230 East Main Street
• West Plume Street Garage, 135 West Plume Street
• Town Point Garage, 110 West Main Street

The York Street and Freemason Garages are full. Additionally, all Old Dominion University garages are open to Norfolk residents until 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9.

While three shelters were previously available, the city of Norfolk announced it would close shelters at Bayview Rec Center and Southside STEM Academy at 5 p.m. Friday and consolidate into Norview High School, 6501 Chesapeake Blvd. The Norview shelter will remain open until 10 a.m. Saturday.

If transportation to a shelter is needed, call Norfolk Cares Call Center at 757.664.6510. Recommended items to bring to a shelter:

• Food & Water – snacks, bottled water
• Medications – prescriptions, glasses and contacts
• Clothing – a change of clothes, socks, footwear
• Blanket/Pillow – sleeping bags, blankets and pillow
• Hygiene Items – toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items
• Identification – ID or military ID, proof of residency
• Pet Provisions – identifications/tags, immunization records, food/water, medications, carrier, muzzle/collar/leash, comfort items

All city offices, courts, Treasurer's office and Commissioner of Revenue's office closed today, Friday, Sept. 6.