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 Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Hurricane season is June 1 - November 30. Plan now.
NEW! We all need to keep an eye on Hurricane Sandy for the next few days and plan for the possibility of local impacts. While the exact track of the storm and the magnitude of impacts is still uncertain, the situation could include heavy rains, flooding, high winds, downed trees and power outages for our area. Because the weather forecasters are still very uncertain about what this storm will do, we encourage you to stay alert and tuned into local media reports about the progress of the storm.
Flooding, Power Lines Close Central Virginia Roads
10/29/12 10:00 p.m.
Storm Updates - 10/29/12, Regional Website Activated
Stay informed by bookmarking www.communityemergency.org.
10/29/2012 6:00 p.m.
Charlottesville-UVa-Albemarle Emergency Operations Center to Open at 8AM Monday
10/28/12 4:30 p.m.
Storm Preparedness Updates
10/28/12 1:00 p.m.
Dominion Prepares for Hurricane Sandy
10/26/2012
Albemarle County Encourages All to Prepare for the Effects of Hurricane Sandy
10/26/2012
Prepare for Hurricanes
- Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
- Hurricane Watch: a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor weather-alerting radios and local radio and television news outlets for information.
- Hurricane Warning: a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
- Prepare to secure your property.
- Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
- Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
- Lock the door behind you.
- Stay out of flood waters, if possible. The water might be contaminated or electrically charged. However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek higher ground.
- Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning take shelter underground, if possible or in an interior room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a floor of flash flood warning, seek higher ground.
- Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after the hurricane and after flood waters recede, roads might be weakened and could collapse. Buildings might be unstable, and drinking water might be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.
- If you are not able to evacuate, make a plan to safely stay where you are.
Know the Road Conditions Before You Leave
- Know the road conditions before you hit the highways. Visit http://www.511virginia.org or dial 511 from any phone for real-time traffic information and road condition reports.
- Or visit http://www.virginiadot.org for the latest road reports or listing of closed roads during a major hurricane or storm event.
Stay Informed
- ReadyVirginia.gov
- Listen to weather-alert radios to stay informed of hurricane watches and warnings.
- Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet.
- Keep in mind that after a hurricane, it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.
- Hurricane evacuation information: http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hurricane_defauLT.asp
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