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Bob Spieldenner, VDEM (804) 897-6510
FOR RELEASE AT WILL - July 10, 2007
Richmond, Va. - Recently updated maps showing projected hurricane storm surge flooding along the Virginia coast are now available online at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Web site, www.vaemergency.com.
"Storm surge is the most dangerous effect of a hurricane, and it's the reason we evacuate. If you live or vacation at the coast, it is vital you understand your risk of hurricane storm surge flooding," said Michael Cline, state coordinator for VDEM. "Everyone should review these maps now, before a hurricane threatens the area, so they know whether to evacuate from potential flooding."
The data used to create the maps come from the ongoing Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Study, a joint effort by VDEM, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and coastal localities. The last study was completed in 1992.
The new maps show storm surge areas at the regional and local levels according to hurricane intensity. Detailed information about a specific locality or an individual property is available from the local emergency management office. A directory of local offices is also available at www.vaemergency.com.
The maps show hurricane storm surge data for the counties of Accomack, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, Mathews, Northampton, Surry and York and the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
When the study is completed in 2008, these maps will be updated to include storm surge data for the counties of Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland.
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