Hampton Roads Could Feel Effects of Hurricane Matthew

After a largely calm hurricane season, Hampton Roads residents find themselves watching to see where Hurricane Matthew will track as the week progresses.  Our home is built like a fortress, but has flooded in some past storms.  Hence, we take hurricane season seriously and have built our own flood doors, installed water proof flooring and wainscoting (see photo below)  and installed a whole house generator and three large industrial sump pumps to avoid standing water in the house in future storms.  To date, the system has never been tested.  The map above obviously has our attention. The Virginian Pilot has this to say at present:

Forecasters in the National Weather Service’s Wakefield office expect areas along northeastern North Carolina and Virginia to feel at least some of the storm’s fury with heavy rain, gusty winds, large waves and dangerous surf. Tidal flooding will be decided by the track of the storm as will the amount of rain and severity of the wind.

Weather service officials are urging residents to make sure their hurricane kits are ready. Loose items outside should be secured and family emergency plans should in place. Everyone should watch the forecast and keep checking local media for messages from emergency officials.

 I guess, time will tell how exciting things will get and if we need to move carpets, etc. to the second floor.

2009 Nor'Ida storm flooding