State of Emergency Set for Northampton County

Hurricane Dorian Update
For questions regarding this release contact: Accomack County EM Coordinator Charles Pruitt 789-3610 or 787..0900

Northampton County EM Coordinator Hollye Carpenter 678-0442

Town of Chincoteague EM Coordinator Bryan Rush 336-3155 or 336-6519

Accomack and Northampton counties have declared a state of emergency effective 3:30 p.m. this afternoon ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Accomack and Northampton public schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, September 6.  Currently, THERE ARE NO PLANS TO OPEN SHELTERS AT THIS TIME; however, emergency officials will closely monitor the situation.    It is still predicted that the Eastern Shore will receive Nor’easter storm effects beginning midnight and into tomorrow. 

We can anticipate winds of 35-45 mph with gusts upward to 50 mph along the coast, rainfall of 3 – 6 inches and moderate tidal flooding in low lying areas. Northampton County residents: All should prepare for higher winds (50-60 mph with gusts to 75 mph) and extended high level tidal flooding as this storm impacts our area. Rainfall is predicted to be 4-8 inches. 

Residents should prepare their homes by securing outdoor items such as lawn furniture, grills, planters and other lawn items that may be blown about by high winds.   Residents of mobile homes and those in low lying areas prone to flooding should seek shelter on higher ground or out of the area.  They should also prepare for loss of electrical power associated with high wind conditions.   

Tides will be higher than normal and a significant storm surge will accompany high tides.  Boat owners should ensure the security of vessels for high wind conditions as well as greater than normal tidal changes. Northampton County Government Offices, including the convenience centers and the transfer station, will be closed on Friday, September 6, 2019. 

All Eastern Shore residents should continually monitor local media outlets for information regarding the track of Hurricane Dorian.