As the region braces for potential severe rain, flooding, and even tornadoes, Virginia Beach residents are ready for what comes.
The Pungo neighborhood could get hit the hardest, according to our First Warning Weather team, as the nearby creeks and rivers look ready to overflow. However, workers at local businesses aren't too fearful.
Jeff Woolard from Margie and Ray's Crab House says he goes through the same steps at his home and the restaurant when preparing for storms.
Today's Forecast
First Warning Forecast: Rain, extreme wind, and a severe thunderstorm risk
"I went around yesterday, picked up all the belongings that could blow away, and secured everything down," he said.
Woolard has lived in that area since 1984. He says he's not too concerned about buildings flooding, but rather the road to the Crab House. The restaurant rests on Sandbridge Road, a high risk flooding zone, and if it closes, then the business must close, too.
"When the winds come up from the south and we get heavy rains then the actual rain water can't run off," Woolard said.
Earlier this afternoon. The city of Virginia Beach issued a statement to News 3 about the storm.
"Virginia Beach Public Works is watching conditions carefully, addressing areas that we know are prone to flooding and keeping staff on standby to address any issues into the night. The Department of Public Works is in close collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management who continues to focus on ensuring departments responsible for maintaining public safety and services have updated forecasts and predictions. As the weather system approaches, the Department of Emergency Management facilitates information sharing amongst departments while monitoring for any impacts that could significantly impact our safety or well-being residents and visitors. If we detect that the weather is causing significant impacts, Emergency Management coordinates responses to mitigate the issues. Each department closely watches for impacts within its area of operations and works to address them as quickly as possible."
