Just received an email from the Virginia Pilot, based in Hampton Roads.
Thought it worth passing this on:
HURRICANE IRENE UPDATE - 11:30 a.m. Traffic Update
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Midtown Tunnel are all closed due to wind and rain. For traffic updates, see this story.
From the story:
At 11:40 a.m., the Virginia Department of Transportation was reporting the following traffic issues:
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The span was closed about 11:15 a.m.
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
The bridge-tunnel was closed at 11 a.m. because of high winds.
Midtown Tunnel
The tunnel was closed at 10 a.m. because of the risk of flooding.
Downtown Tunnel
The speed at the tunnel has been reduced to 25 mph because of rain and high winds.
There is more detail on the story.
Also just spoke w/my sister in Accommack County Virginia on E. Shore. She has been getting 2" of rain an hour for about 90 minutes, has been told to expect it for most of the rest of the day. Mandatory evacuation ordered for Chincoteague Island, but longtimers refusing to read.
I live in Arlington Virginia. We are already under an emergency, about which I will offer more below the fold.
For Arlington, the following was issued yesterday.
All Arlington County facilities will close Saturday, Aug. 27, at 12:00 noon and will remain closed through Sunday. This includes community centers, libraries, arts centers, and other County buildings. The County plans to reopen for regular business Monday, Aug. 29.
Today, Arlington County declared a local emergency for Hurricane Irene. This declaration provides for increased coordination with state resources, and provides increased administrative authority permitting the County to take necessary actions to prepare for and respond to the storm. Read more.
Issued today:
Updated 08-27-11, noon
What to expect in Arlington from Irene: A Tropical Storm Warning and Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Arlington County.
- Rain bands from the hurricane will start hitting this area in the early to midafternoon.
- Heavy rain, winds will start at around 6 p.m.
- Heaviest rain and winds between 8 pm Sat. and 2 am Sun.
- During this period we will likely experience sustained winds of up to 40 MPH, gusts between 40 and 50 MPH.
- 2-4 inches of total rain expected, with higher amounts further east.
- Due to ground saturation and winds, we are likely to experience some downed trees.
9:46 AM PT: this just in from Washington Post:
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Local Weather Alert: Evacuation order in Calvert County
August 27, 2011 12:09:54 PM
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Calvert County orders evacuation of homes within 100 feet of Chesapeake Bay cliffs.
The evacuation order comes as the first rainfall from Hurricane Irene moves through the Washington region. Heavy rains and high winds are expected in our area throughout the day and overnight.
