The Ripple Effect: Windsor Woods Tide Gates Put to the Test

Each of the four tide gates at the Windsor Woods project measures 10 feet by 5 feet. On a normal day, they stay open, allowing the waters of Thalia Creek to flow freely. But when storms roll in, these gates become a crucial line of defense closing at low tide to help protect nearby neighborhoods from rising waters. 

Cold Weather Challenge

In late January, on two of the coldest days of the season, a bundled-up Public Works team braved the frigid temperatures to put the tide gates to the test. Over two cycles, they manually operated each gate, simulating extreme weather conditions. “It was so cold, I joked that the only way we recognized each other was by voice, because we couldn’t see faces under all the layers,” said Beth Arnold, project manager and City stormwater engineer.

City Inspector Shane Hawkey watched from a johnboat near the gates. Having observed the project from the beginning, he was confident in its design and construction. Still, he joked that without that knowledge, the test might have felt more like an “unplanned log flume ride!”  

Ensuring the Tide Gates Stand Strong 

• Backup Power Test: The next round of testing will involve operating the gates using the backup generator. If the tide gate control building ever loses power, this generator will ensure the system keeps working. 
• Sealing the Deal: Future tests will confirm the gates function properly under standard power, and the water level sensors communicate effectively.

As part of Virginia Beach’s Flood Protection Program, the Windsor Woods Tide Gates are designed to help prevent storm surge flooding, particularly in areas hit hard by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. This ongoing testing is a key step in strengthening the city’s flood defenses — helping to ensure that when the next big storm comes, Virginia Beach is ready. 
 
The Virginia Beach Flood Protection Program — The Ripple Effect — is a comprehensive 10-year plan to address recurrent flooding in Virginia Beach. In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters overwhelmingly supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives to include drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city. The projects are led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect.