Suffolk Police, Suffolk Fire & Rescue and Public Works report minimal impact from Hurricane Dorian overnight and during the early morning hours.
Crews have responded to several locations for downed trees or limbs, including Indian Trail at Ruritan Boulevard, 2400 block of E. Washington Street, Route 58 Eastbound just past the Weigh Scales, 2400 block Copeland Road, 4300 block Sleepy Hole Road, 800 block Longstreet Lane, and 1400 block of Wilroy Road. The only road closed at this time is the 700 block of Kilby Avenue due to a low power line and Dominion Power has been notified.
While the Tropical and Storm Surge Warnings remain in effect, a Flash Flood Watch has also been issued. The Emergency Shelter at King’s Fork High School remains open at this time.
VRT remains operational.
Tidal flooding has been experienced at North Main Street at the Kimberly Bridge and the entire roadway was closed earlier this morning, with the exterior lanes closed and then all lanes reopened. We can expect a road closure again during high tide cycles at approximately 5:30 p.m. and during the early morning hours on Saturday.
Motorists are reminded to exercise extreme caution when driving in flood conditions, including:
If you see a flooded road ahead, turn around and find a different route to your destination. Rushing water over roads can quickly erode the surface, creating large holes and depressions. A puddle that appears only a couple inches deep can be much deeper.
Always obey barricades and signs that warn of road flooding. Even if the water looks shallow enough to cross, don't attempt it. Water can be much deeper than it appears and can hide major road hazards, such as washed out areas and holes in the road. Worse yet, rushing water could cause your vehicle to float and carry it away.
Never go through puddles that are in contact with downed power lines. The lines could send an electrical current through the water, causing a potentially fatal hazard.
If you have driven through a large puddle or standing water, check your brakes afterwards to make sure they're functioning properly. Do this by gently holding down the brake pedal to ensure that any moisture on the brake rotors or drums won't hinder your car's stopping ability.
If your car stalls or becomes surrounded by water, do not stay in it. Carefully exit your car, be aware of your surroundings and any hazards, and head toward higher ground.
The Emergency Operations Call Center can be reached at 514-4570 and will be staffed until advised otherwise for citizens seeking storm-related information for this weather event. The Suffolk Police Department non-emergency number is 923-2350 (Option 8), and the number for non-emergency roadway-related issues is 514-7600.
Additional information, Media Releases, Safety Tips and more can be found on the City of Suffolk Website – http://www.suffolkva.us/1381/Hurricane-Dorian-Updates.