Southwest Virginia is likely to see heavy rainfall once from Hurricane Florence beginning as early as Thursday and continuing through the weekend.
Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, to begin preparation of state assets.
Also on Monday, Northam requested a federal emergency declaration in advance of the storm, to ensure the availability of federal resources to help Virginia with storm response.
Localities are also issuing warnings and preparation advice in advance of the weather.
“The City of Radford Emergency Management Team has begun to prepare for what may be Virginia’s most significant hurricane event in decades,” according to the city’s website. “With Virginia under a state of emergency, and forecasts showing Florence zeroing in on the Mid-Atlantic, the time for all in Radford to prepare is now.”
Hurricane Florence has the potential to significantly impact the City of Radford later this week and into the weekend.
The majority of forecast models are indicating significant potential impacts to Virginia in the form of coastal storm surge, catastrophic inland flooding, high winds and possible widespread power outages.
The announcement also said to make sure residents have an emergency kit stocked, medications refilled, including oxygen if prescribed and a family emergency plan established—Make a Kit, get and plan, and stay informed.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management can help when creating an emergency kit: www.vaemergency.gov/emergency-kit/.
The American Red Cross recommends a few supplies that you should have in your house in case of a natural disaster.
Included in the list is:
– Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
– Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
– Flashlight Available on the Red Cross Store
– Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) Available on the Red Cross Store
– Extra batteries
– First aid kit Available on the Red Cross Store
– Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
– Multi-purpose tool
– Sanitation and personal hygiene items
– Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
– Cell phone with chargers
– Family and emergency contact information
– Extra cash
– Emergency blanket Available on the Red Cross Store
– Map(s) of the area
– Baby supplies
– Pet supplies
Citizens can continue to monitor updates on Radford and Montgomery County’s websites and social media pages. The county has a page dedicated to the storm at: www.montva.com/Florence.