Full Notification

Arthur is currently expected to intensify to a Category 2 hurricane as it passes over/near the North Carolina coast around midnight. The current forecasted track keeps Arthur off the coast of Southeastern Virginia.
The City of Portsmouth, through the Office of Emergency Management, is closely monitoring Hurricane Arthur which could bring winds from 20-25 mph with gusts of 35-40 mph, localized heavy rain of 1-3 inches, minor coastal flooding, 1-2 foot storm surges, and dangerous rip currents. Tidal flooding is not anticipated at this time, however, there could be urban flooding issues during periods of rapid rainfall. In Portsmouth, we could see the affects of Arthur as early as 8 p.m. tonight and lasting until 1 p.m. Friday, July 4th. This forecast will change if the storm varies from its current projected path.
Also, later this afternoon, there is a chance of strong thunderstorms associated with a cold front to the west, not with Arthur.
At no charge, City of Portsmouth residents may park their vehicles on the second floor and above of the following garages after 6 p.m. today, July 3rd: Water St. Garage, Harbor Court Garage (6’ 2” clearance), Middle Street Garage, and County Street Garage (1st & 2nd floors only). Vehicles may not park in spaces marked “24 Hour Reserved.” Vehicles that are not owned by regular garage renters must be removed by 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 5th.
The City of Portsmouth recommends that residents take these steps to prepare in advance of severe weather:
• Discuss your family’s plans for disaster and visit www.readyvirginia.gov for checklists
• Have an emergency supply kit of food, medications, water, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, sleeping bags, blankets, etc.
• Bring in/secure lawn furniture or outdoor items
• Identify an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as a family contact. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the family contact.
• Make provisions for pets in case of evacuation, as they may not be allowed in public shelters.
• Listen to local radio and television stations including PCTV--on Cox Channel 48 and Verizon Fios Channel 39-- for the most up-to-date information. Also, storm-related updates will be posted to www.portsmouthva.gov.
It is important for our residents, businesses, and visitors to pay close attention to the tropical storm, find out if they are at risk for storm surge, and review their evacuation, shelter, and pet plans. A series of videos is available online to explain storm surge and its danger and how to prepare for a hurricane at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency. A list of needed emergency supplies and maps of storm surge areas and evacuation routes can be found at www.vaemergency.gov or on the free Ready Virginia app for iPhone and Android mobile devices.