The City of Suffolk is currently under a Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watch until further notice as issued by the National Weather Service in Wakefield. 

Virginia emergency officials and local Emergency Managers have looked at the latest meteorological data and updates from the National Hurricane Center on Hurricane Dorian this morning. In consideration of this information and the timing of the storm, no widespread evacuation order is expected for this storm in Coastal Virginia.

Citizens and businesses in Suffolk should still expect high winds, heavy rains and potential flooding in low lying areas Thursday night and Friday.  Peak winds are forecast to be from 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph.  Surge flooding is possible with peak rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. 

Residents are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including securing outside objects, and putting together an emergency prep kit to include:

• Batteries and flashlights in the event of power outages
• Cash – power outages could affect ATM machines
• Water (1 gallon, per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• First Aid Kit
• Prescriptions

During weather or other emergencies affecting the City of Suffolk, residents have several methods to obtain and/or receive information related to road closures and other updates from the City and Emergency Management. Those methods include:

Suffolk On the Alert - https://suffolk.onthealert.com – Residents can sign up for alerts delivered primarily via email. Categories include Traffic Updates, Parks & Recreation, Public Utilities-water outages, Public Works-trash collection, and Special Events.  Residents can select what topics are of interest to them for the latest information.

City social media -- Facebook (@suffolkva) and Twitter (@CityofSuffolk)

Suffolk Police Department social media – Facebook (@suffolkpolicedepartment)

Suffolk Fire & Rescue social media – Facebook (@suffolkfirerescue)

Nextdoor – The City of Suffolk, Suffolk Police, and Suffolk Fire & Rescue all have the ability to post messages to all Suffolk members of Nextdoor regardless of neighborhood.

City of Suffolk Website – During an emergency, an alert link will be up at the top of the homepage and every page on the site. Additionally, under City Spotlights, information from news releases from the City will be posted and updated.

Suffolk Municipal Channel – Spectrum Channel 190. Information will be displayed on the Bulletin Board portion of programming. For those without Spectrum TV, the channel is streamed live 24/7 at this link: http://suffolkva.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=2