HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Even as Hurricane Florence seems to be heading south, officials in Hampton want residents to still be prepared.
There as a sense of relief along Hampton’s waterfront marina as seafood companies are grateful for the shift in Florence’s projected path. However, city officials say we’re not in the clear just yet.
Hampton spokeswoman Robin McCormick said, “We’ve got a saturated ground, were going to get more rain, it may be less than what we were saying a day or two ago. There’s going to be tidal flooding, don’t just go back to normal, stay attuned, pay attention.”
Some residents aren’t sticking around to find out what will happen.
“Everything has been really quiet and there’s been a lot of missing vehicles, so I’m assuming everyone is shipping out,” said Allison Davis.
Davis grew up in Hampton, so she’s used to storms, but she’s still leaving her home.
“The water is right behind us so it’s coming in from both sides, so the past couple nights both entrances to the street have been flooded, like I wouldn’t have driven through if I didn’t have a truck. Just a little too deep for comfort,” said Davis.
She’s going to Norfolk to stay with family and be close to work.
“Honestly I just want to be walking distance from the shop,” said Davis. “Just in case we lose power, it’s going to be a massive cleanup effort since its a gelato shop.”
Davis has packed up enough clothes and supplies for about five days. She’s not too concerned, but would rather be safe than sorry.
“I think there’s ground in the middle where you can be prepared, be ready to kind of be trapped in your home for a while, but I don’t think there’s any reason to panic,” she said.
City officials say crews will not pick up trash tomorrow or Friday because they don’t want it flying around in the high wind. The two city shelters at Phenix School and Bethel High School are still open to all residents.
