Luckily, many states escaped Hanna with minor damage.   However, that doesn’t mean to stop preparing for storms.   As we still have a few months left in this hurricane season, we invite you to visit OneStorm to make your free hurricane plan today.

As soon as tropical cyclones begin to threaten the U.S. coast, we will launch additional storm resource blogs that focus on bringing you the latest community information. Our next blog will be located at www.hurricaneikeresources.org.   

Please stay informed and prepared!

-Heidi at OneStorm

As of 9:00 a.m. only two roads – Routes 601 and 636 in Halifax County were reported are impassable in the ten-county district; however conditions can change rapidly so motorists should be alert.
VDOT reminds motorists who must travel today to know the road conditions before they leave home. Motorists can call 511 Virginia from any cell phone or land-line, or can log onto www.511Virginia.org for the latest information.

Source:  “Update:  Hanna Makes Mark on Commonwealth.”  VDOT.  6 September 2008, 9:00 AM.

• VDOT crews are coordinating closely with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and state emergency responders to respond to Hanna’s impacts.
• VDOT crews are working throughout most the state to monitor roadways and respond to downed trees, flooding and other impediments to transportation.
• At this time, there are very few roads that have been closed because of flooding, but more impacts are expected throughout the day as heavy rains pass through Virginia.
• For a complete list of roadways impacted by Hanna, visit www.511virginia.org and click on “Road Conditions.”
• All tunnels and bridges are in the Hampton Roads region are operating normally at this time.
• As Tropical Storm Hanna moves through the commonwealth, motorists may encounter downed trees and power lines and standing water.
• VDOT has placed crews on standby to close roadways that flood and repair flood-related damage.
• Crews have spent the last several days ensuring that equipment is prepared and cleaning ditches and drainage structures to handle the heavy rains.

DRIVING TIPS

• VDOT reminds motorists who must travel today to know the road conditions before they leave home.
• Motorists can call 511 Virginia from any cell phone or land-line, or can log onto www.511Virginia.org for the latest information.
• Drivers should use extreme caution while traveling throughout the commonwealth during the next few days, especially in low-lying areas or on roads that are prone to flooding.
• Remember never to drive through standing water, as you might lose control of your vehicle.
 
Rapidly rising water could engulf your vehicle and sweep it away.
• According to the National Weather Service, two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
  Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile-based.
• There is no way to tell if flooded roads have been washed out by swift-moving waters. 

If you come across a flooded road, turn around and use an alternate route.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• www.vaemergency.com – general storm information, status of Virginia response efforts and the latest information about storm damage and response statewide
• Call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org – for the latest road conditions on major highways throughout the commonwealth
• Highway Helpline (800) 367-ROAD – to report flooded roads or road damage
• www.ReadyVirginia.gov for information about how you to prepare you and your family for emergencies

Source:  “VDOT Monitors Hanna.” Virginia Department of Transportation.   6 September 2008, 8:45 AM.

SPOT REPORT 1
TROPICAL STORM HANNA
0630 Hours, 6 September 2008

SUMMARY:

Tropical Storm Hanna made landfall as a strong tropical storm around 3am in vicinity of Myrtle Beach South Carolina.  Conditions across Virginia will continue to deteriorate, with the heaviest rain and strongest winds occurring between 4 am & 4 pm.
There is a moderate tornado threat mainly north and east of the track through Saturday afternoon.

Storm surge estimates a potential of 1 to 3 feet of surge along coastal Virginia.

Coastal VA, Chesapeake Bay and many inland localities are under a Tropical Storm Warning.  Winds 30-40 mph with higher gusts expected along the east side of the storm track

Rainfall:  Coastal areas/east side of track – 1 to 3 inches
Inland areas/west side of track – West of I-95 4 to 6 inches

VDEM / VEOC:
• The VEOC is at Response Operations.
• VEOC monitored 6:00 am North Carolina conference call.

INFRASTRUCTURE:
VDOT has not indicated any road closures.

UTILITIES:
Virginia Dominion Power reports 134 customers without power.

TRANSPORTATION:
Due to forecasted winds associated with Tropical Storm Hanna, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) for Virginia intends to close the port to all vessel traffic (including vessel transits within the port) from 7:00 a.m. until gale force winds (39-57 mph) have subsided. This prohibition applies to all vessels except those that requested and received prior approval by the COTP. This approval will only be granted if the transit can be made safely and mooring or anchorage space has been identified; or if the vessel is departing to sea and only if the vessel can reach safe water prior to encountering tropical storm conditions. The area affected by this order includes all navigable waters (including the
Intracoastal Waterway) of the Port of Hampton Roads within 30 miles of Thimble Shoals Light, the Lower Maryland Eastern Shore, and the Port of Richmond.

Source:  “Spot Report #1:  Tropical Storm Hanna (PDF).”  Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  6 September 2008, 6:30 AM.

Only minimal damage has been reported county-wide due to Tropical Storm Hanna.

Source: “Emergency Public Information Center News Release:  EOC/Shelters/EPIC Closing. (PDF)” New Hanover County Government.  6 September 2008.

Residents considering burning their debris in the unincorporated areas of the county should know that the state open-burning rules are clear– only leaves, branches, and other plant growth can be burned.  That means no trash, lumber, shingles, building materials, including lumber and wood scraps.

A burn permit is required unless you are burning within 100 feet of an occupied building.  In all other cases, a permit is required, regardless of whether you are burning just a small pile of leaves, or a large pile of fallen limbs.  It does not matter if it has just rained.  A permit is still required 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  If you burn, be sure to keep the fire under your control.  You will be liable for any damages if an uncontrolled fire results.  Permits can be obtained at several retail stores in the county.

The Onslow County Landfill at 415 Meadowview Road also accepts plant materials, as long as the plant material (yard waste) is separated from other trash.  This fee will be $12.00 per ton.    Other debris, such as shingles, plywood, etc. can also be disposed of at the landfill.   Tipping fees will be charged according to the fee schedule at $45.00 per ton.

The Onslow County Landfill will be open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 6, 2008.

Source: “Media Release:  Storm Debris Disposal (PDF).”   Onslow County Government.  5 September 2008.

However, Charleston County Government will remain at OPCON 4 while emergency management staff continue to monitor Hurricane Ike.
Public Emergency Information Line CLOSED:

The Charleston County Citizen Emergency Information Line, (843) 202-7100, and the Spanish Information Hotline, (843) 202-7191, are closed.

Damage Reports:

There were no damages reported to the EOC

Charleston County Shelters:

All shelters have closed. Those who stayed in the shelters are being transported back to their homes.

Charleston County Red Cross shelters had 135 people overnight:

-    Morningside Middle School: 47
-    Midland Park Elementary: 30
-    Stall High School: 52
-    Alice Birney Middle School (special medical needs): 6
-    North Charleston Coliseum (pet shelter): 0

Bridges:

Draw and swing bridges were opened to boat traffic at 8 a.m.

Schools:

Charleston County schools will reopen on Monday, Sept. 8.

Source:  “News Release:  Charleston County Returned to OPCON 4, Emergency Operations Center Closed.”  Charleston County Government.  6 September 2008, 9:30 AM.

Horry County faired well overnight as Tropical Storm Hanna swept by the coast. The County experienced minor power outages, flooding in a variety of low lying areas, and sporadic downed trees have been reported. Horry County opened two voluntary shelters for the storm and 149 individuals sought shelter during the storm; both shelters are now closed.

Preliminary damage assessment teams have reported very minimal damage (minimal enough that no dollar figure will be assigned) and some beach erosion in the Shore Drive, Garden City Beach and South Strand campground areas.

Residents are reminded that Horry County does not provide curbside pickup and homeowners are responsible for any needed debris removal.  Residents of unincorporated Horry County can take vegetative or other types of debris to any one of the 24 Horry County Solid Waste Authority Recycling Convenience Centers which will open at 10 a.m. this morning.    Residents living within the city limits of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Surfside Beach, Loris, Aynor, Briarcliffe Acres, or Conway should contact them for debris removal procedures.

Source:  “Tropical Storm Hanna Update:  Officials to Close EOC.”  Horry County Public Information Office.  6 September 2008, 9:15 AM.

Pender County Phones have been repaired and are now operational.

Progress Energy reports scattered power outages across the county, resulting in approx 3000 residents being without power at this time.

Preliminary Damage Assessments show mostly cosmetic shingle and siding damage. No Flooding has been reported. Except for some tree damage, all roadways have remained open. DOT and FD’s have been working to removed downed trees as they are reported.

The Pender EOC will be scaling down to a skeleton crew at 9 am.

Topsail Beach reports only shingle and siding damage scattered throughout the town.  No dune over wash occurred. No recognizable erosion reported.

Source:  “Pender County 9 AM Update.”  Pender County Emergency Management.  6 September 2008, 9:00 AM.