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NORFOLK -- The advice for Thursday is stay home if you can.
For thousands of commuters, no advisory is needed -- the flooding is already here. Traffic along Hampton Blvd. and the downtown area of Brambleton Avenue was moving slowly or not at all as rising water flooded out vehicles.
VDOT closed the Midtown Tunnel, which connects Portsmouth and Norfolk, just before 5:00 a.m., forcing users to find other ways around. Officials expected the tunnel to be closed into the evening.
VDOT wanted to avoid the problem it had in September, 2003 during Hurricane Isabel when the Midtown flooded and was closed while damage was repaired.
The James River Bridge is closed in both direction, VDOT says.
Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency.
Dominion Virginia Power reminds people to stay away from downed power lines and call the company to report problems. Thousands are without electricity throughout the region.
Norfolk spokesman Bob Batcher says officials in the coastal city are seeing flooded streets and widespread stalled cars. Batcher says that the low-lying Ocean View neighborhood -- a spit of land just north of the nation's largest Navy base -- and the downtown area are the usual trouble spots. High winds are exacerbating the tide, which is about 6 feet to 7 feet above normal.
The flooding is expected to worsen during high tide Thursday evening, so drivers were warned to get out of the downtown area before 4:30 p.m.
Officials are urging people against driving through standing water. And they've offered free parking in garages downtown for people whose neighborhoods are flooded.
Virginia Beach officials are keeping a close watch on inland waterways and high tide as wind and rain continue to lash the resort city.
Battalion Chief Tim Riley said Thursday fire officials have responded to numerous downed power lines and tree limbs. He also reported scattered flooding. There have been no injuries.
He said a primary concern is inland waterways such as the Lynnhaven River, where winds are driving water up the tidal estuary, which is lined by housing.
Riley said emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the afternoon high tide. He said high winds are creating a powerful surf along the famed oceanfront and blowing stinging sand across the boardwalk.
Virginia Beach garage locations:
Virginia Beach residents and visitors that reside in low-lying coastal areas can park vehicles, small boats and trailers in the 9th and 31st street parking garages at the Oceanfront for free.
Vehicles must fit in a single parking space with 6’8" clearance. Garages will be staffed until 12:30 a.m.
The 9th Street garage gate will remain open throughout the night.
Parking is free until high water subsides and it is safe to move vehicles.
Free parking is also available in the municipal garages at Town Center.
Norfolk Garage locations:
For people living in areas of Norfolk prone to flooding, city officials have free parking in some downtown garages so you can get your car on higher ground and protect it from flooding. The free parking is in effect into Friday at the following locations:
West Plume Street
Boush Street
York Street
Freemason Street
MacArthur South and North
A flood warning is in effect until 5:00 p.m. for Franklin, Chesapeakea, Newport News, Va. Beach, Portsmouth, Hampton and Elizabeth City NC
