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All units at two Newport News apartment complexes condemned

Posted at 1:49 PM, Aug 25, 2012
and last updated 2012-08-27 12:22:08-04

Update:  All residential units of City Line and Great Oak apartments in Newport News have been condemned. The city expects many of the condemnations will be of short duration pending utility and maintenance work. No units have been condemned at the Meridian Parkside Apartments or Mariners Landing Apartments.

The emergency shelter at Warwick High School in Newport News will remain open until 5:00 p.m. Monday for those residents who were evacuated during Saturday’s storm. 

Currently there are 30 people remaining in the shelter. 

At this time there is no major damage to city buildings and facilities in Newport News.  Pump station and storm water crews continue to work to restore public utility systems. 

Public Works crews were able to respond to approximately 70% of service requests for flooding on Saturday during the storm and will continue working on service requests.

All roads in Newport News, including Main Street, are open. 

Update: According to Newport News officials, 65 people will spend the night in the city's shelter. Six people remain in Hampton's shelter.

The Red Cross has activated their local disaster response teams and is working closely with the City of Newport News to help residents displaced by the storms and flooding.

Residents who are in need of Red Cross assistance can call 1-757-536-9859. Those who want to help with financial donations can contact 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or call their local Red Cross office, including the Hampton Roads office at 757-838-7320 during regular office hours.

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Update: The City of Hampton has closed its shelter at Eaton Middle School.
 
Six adults were at the shelter for the afternoon and workers have provided food and found them places to stay overnight. All six are elderly residents of Paula Maria Apartments. Hampton Human Services staff will be checking on them through the weekend.
 
Several roads remain flooded, particularly in the Big Bethel area. Hampton police will continue to keep an eye on affected areas.

Update: According to the City of Newport News there has been substantial improvement in street flooding over the last several hours. Preliminary assessments of city property includes several damaged pump stations and minor damage to city sewer facilities.

The shelter at Warwick High School remains open for those residents who are unable to remain in their homes. Additional public safety personnel will be on duty throughout the night.

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Update: A temporary evacuation shelter is now open at Warwick High School, located at 51 Copeland Lane in Newport News if you are unable to remain in your home.  Only service animals will be permitted to accompany their owners.  No other pet shelter will be available at Warwick High School.

Residents arrive at the shelter at Warwick High School in Newport News. (Eric Levy, NewsChannel 3)

If you need to go to the shelter please remember:
- If you take medication, please remember to bring it with you.
- Bring bedding, and any clothing and essentials that you will need.
- Bring snacks and food that will not need to be reheated or refrigerated.
- Items for infants and toddlers, including diapers, formula and activities/games

Residents will be notified when it is safe to return to their homes.

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Update: Some rainfall totals from today:
Melfa 6.19"
Newport News Airport 5.30"
Seaford 4.94"
Langley 4.62"
Denbigh 4.11."    - Patrick Rockey
 
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Update: The Warwick High School shelter in Newport News opens for flood victims at 4:30. Buses will be arriving at the Midtown Community Center shortly to move people there, and dinner will be served to them at 6:00. Flood victims will likely be spending the night at Warwick High, or until the city gives the go ahead for people to head back home.

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Several apartment complexes in Hampton and Newport News have been evacuated due to flooding from this morning's rains.

Fire crews went to Paula Maria and Century Plaza in Hampton with boats and high-water vehicles and have temporarily relocated some residents. They waited at Fire Station 9 until they could relocate with friends and other family members.
 
 
The city of Hampton opened a shelter at Eaton Middle School, 2108 Cunningham Drive, at 1 p.m. to assist residents who have evacuated and have no place to relocate. Hampton Social Services personnel will staff the shelter. At this time, there is no one seeking shelter.
 
Thirty-six apartment units were affected at Paula Maria Apartments and 8 units at Century Plaza Apartments. Some of the apartments have 8 inches to 10 inches of water in them. Fire personnel evacuated 27 residents. One person was transported to a hospital for a medical complaint unrelated to the flooding.Hampton Public Works crews have been checking all major drainage systems throughout the city and report that they are functioning properly. The volume of rainfall was just too much for the system to handle immediately.

Codes inspectors are assessing the affected apartments and have determined that some units cannot be reoccupied.

The Northampton Branch Library is closed today due to high water in the parking lot and surrounding area.

Hampton officials warn there could be additional flooding when high tide occurs around 4:30 p.m. The Fire Department will be prepared for additional evacuations if necessary.

In Newport News there has been flooding at the City Line, Great Oaks and Meridian Apartments, Mariners Landing and River Trace complexes.

A small number of citizens from these complexes have been temporarily sheltered at Midtown Community Center. Assets are being deployed to open a shelter at Warwick High School located at 51 Copeland Lane effective 5:00 p.m. today.

There have been no reported injuries.

Police spokeperson Holly McPherson says fire and police manpower are limited around the city and calls for service will be prioritized.

Newport News Public Works crews have been checking all major drainage systems throughout the City. The drainage systems are working at their capacity. However, a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time has created street flooding.

The Parks and Recreation Family Films by the Fountain event scheduled for today has been cancelled.

The W. Hale Thompson event at Pearl Bailey Library has also been cancelled.