The National Weather Service in Wakefield has upgraded the City of Suffolk from Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Watches to Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings.  

A Tropical Storm Warning means that conditions associated with a tropical storm are expected within a specified area, according to the National Hurricane Center. It’s more serious and urgent than a Tropical Storm Watch. A warning means that hazardous weather is imminent and is either already occurring or will occur at any moment.

A Storm Surge Warning is defined as the danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours, in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

The strongest wind is expected late Thursday night into Friday across Northeast North Carolina and Eastern Virginia.  This strong wind will have the ability to knock down trees and weak structures, and cause power outages.

Very dangerous marine conditions are expected. 

Hurricane Dorian will produce heavy rainfall across far Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, with moderate impacts possible.  The current forecast shows rainfall amounts ranging from 4 to 6 inches over Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina  These heavy rainfall amounts in a relative short period of time has the potential to produce flash flooding Thursday night through Friday afternoon.

Some minor to moderate river flooding is possible Friday and into the weekend, especially for smaller rivers and creeks.

Now is the time to complete all preparations in accordance with your emergency plan. The Suffolk Fire & Rescue Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the storm track and potential local impacts.  We will continue to keep residents informed as it relates to potential openings of Emergency Shelters.  Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.suffolkva.us/1029/Disaster-Preparedness