ReadyVB: Virginia Beach is Preparing for Possible Winds, Rain and Storm Surge Ahead

The City of Virginia Beach is monitoring a possible tropical depression in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean that could affect Virginia Beach with winds, heavy rain and storm surge within the next few days. In addition, Hurricane Humberto has developed, and its interaction with the tropical depression is not yet known. 

While it is too early to predict the severity of the storm, the City is making plans for possible scenarios and wants to make sure that residents and businesses also are prepared for potential impacts of the storm, which could include losing access to food, water, electricity, cellphone service or other services.  

What You Can Do Now to Prepare  

• Sign up for VBAlert, the Virginia Beach emergency alert and warning system that sends messages to registered users via text, email and phone. Text VBALERT to 67283 to opt in. Reply STOP at any time to opt out. You can also sign up at VirginiaBeach.gov/VBAlert.    
• Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. To help you build an effective emergency kit, how many to make, and where to store them, VirginiaBeach.gov/ReadyVB has several tips and resources.    
• Make a plan. A free, fillable emergency preparedness plan template is available for residents. Use this template to create a personalized emergency preparedness plan for you or your family.  Follow these tips to prepare your pets for disasters. 
• Download the WAZE mobile app to document, report and see the latest on road conditions/closures. Residents can also report flooding or other hazardous road conditions directly on the WAZE app or by calling 311 in Virginia Beach.   
• Charge your electronic devices. Keep them fully charged in anticipation that some areas may lose power. Remember that home Wi-Fi networks and streaming services may not be available when the power is out. Mobile devices may be the best way to get information.  
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, bicycles and children’s toys. 
• Anchor outdoor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (such as gas grills and propane tanks). 
• Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures. 
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. 
• Document the condition of your home prior to the storm for insurance purposes with photos and video. 
• Consider purchasing a portable generator or install a whole-house generator for use during power outages. 

If Conditions Worsen: 

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! 
  • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. 
  • Stay off of bridges and fast-moving water, and stay off the roads as much as possible.
• Report power outages to Dominion Energy by calling 866-366-4357. Report a downed power line at online. Every downed power line is an energized threat. Do not touch any fallen electrical lines!  
• Be aware of power outage safety tips at: www.ready.gov/power-outages  
• Preserve battery power in your mobile devices by only using it to send and receive essential information.  

What the City of Virginia Beach is Doing 

The City’s Emergency Management team is closely observing the storm’s path to assess potential impacts. The team keeps key departments, such as Public Safety and Public Works, informed on what actions might be necessary based on potential scenarios. And all departments are preparing equipment and staff for further action that might be required. 

The team also is keeping in close communication with the other partners in the city, region and state, as well as meeting with those who are planning this weekend’s Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend.

Current City actions include staging high water and public safety vehicles, upstaffing the emergency call center, securing active construction sites, and removing shade sails, banners and small tents from the Oceanfront.   

Emergency Management has worked with City leadership to establish response plans for managing emergency situations of all sizes. This Emergency Operations Plan assigns major roles and responsibilities to departments and agencies and establishes priorities. City departments and agencies work to regularly update the plan, as well as train and exercise with it.   

In addition, each department of the City has established emergency plans for chain of command, responsibilities and the ability to immediately use all facilities, equipment, staff and other resources to minimize or prevent damage to persons and property, to restore government services and public utilities necessary for public health, safety and welfare.  

Stay Informed 

Keep updated as conditions progress with possible emergency notifications, cancelations and other storm information by following the City’s social media platforms, Facebook, X, Nextdoor and Instagram. The City’s website, VirginiaBeach.gov, is another excellent place to find emergency preparedness information and alerts. 

TV and radio are other platforms that the City will use to share information and emergency notifications. VB Now Cable Channels — Cox Channel 46, 47 and 48 and Verizon Channel 45, 46 and 47 — provide emergency information including the City's operational status and facilities closure notices. The City also sends updates to the news desks of the local public television stations. 

• ReadyVB