For Immediate Release
City of Norfolk Declares State of Emergency and Mandatory Evacuation
NORFOLK- City Manager Marcus D. Jones signed a declaration of emergency for the City of Norfolk this afternoon.
The City of Norfolk has upgraded its previous order and is issuing a mandatory evacuation of all residents in low-lying areas. The city urges residents to implement their hurricane plan and stay away from these areas until the storm passes. All residents in these low-lying areas need to be evacuated by 8am Saturday, August 27.
Low-lying areas are defined as residents living in the Category 1 storm surge. The city strongly urges residents living in Category 2 to leave as well. A link to the storm surge maps can be found at www.norfolk.gov. Click on the Hurricane Preparedness box on the left-hand side.
We expect heavy rains, storm surge and hurricane force winds. Roads will flood. Police, firefighters and paramedics will not be able to safely retrieve residents from these areas once the hurricane hits.
People who evacuate should stay out of the city. Evacuees should monitor weather reports, leave as soon as possible to avoid heavy traffic and stay well beyond the projected path of the hurricane.
City shelters will open Friday August 26, 2011 at 6pm. The shelters identified at this time include:
Granby High School
7101 Granby Street
Norview High School
6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
Lake Taylor Middle School
1380 Kempsville Road
Maury High School
322 Shirley Avenue
Campostella Elementary School
1106 Campostella Road
***NOTE: East Oceanview Senior Center is no longer a viable shelter. ***
Plans are underway to open additional shelters if needed. Pets are not permitted in the public shelters.
Updates and information can be found at www.norfolk.gov, Facebook and Twitter.