NORFOLK – The Norfolk city and school division will close all offices and schools on Monday, October 29 due to National Weather Service forecasts of strong winds and flooding for low-lying, coastal communities.
The Norfolk Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue offices also will be closed. Alpha and Beta level personnel for the city are to report as directed and essential personnel for the school division should respond as needed.
High winds and coastal flooding are expected to last through Monday. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to take precautions and, if necessary, move to higher ground.
Norfolk Public Schools staff members and families can receive school updates at www.npsk12.com,http://www.facebook.com/NorfolkPublicSchools, www.twitter.com/npschools, Cox cable channel 47 and the Edulink phone messaging system.
The city has opened the following four shelters:
Bayview Recreation Center (Pet-Friendly Shelter)
8613 Willow Terrace
Campostella Elementary School
1106 Campostella Road
Norview High School
6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
Granby High School
7101 Granby Street
Bayview Recreation Center will accommodate household pets such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent or turtle. Household pets do not include: reptiles (except turtles), fish, insects/arachnids and farm animals. Owners are required to remain at the shelter with their animals at all times. Bring all necessary food and medications. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Click on http://www.norfolk.gov/emergency/pets.asp for pet preparation tips.
Residents are advised to bring bedding materials, toiletries, medicine, food and any other items they deem necessary to ride out the storm.
Norfolk opened several downtown parking garages for residents living in low-lying areas. Boush Street, Freemason Street, York Street and MacArthur Center Garages North & South. Those garages will remain open until Monday morning or until the flood waters recede.
Several city parking lots are available in higher-elevated areas. Those lots include Pretlow Library in Ocean View, Barron Black Library off Military Highway, Bayview Recreation Center, Larchmont Elementary, Ingleside Elementary, Campostella Elementary, Berkeley Multi-Service Center, Maury High School, Blair Middle School, Ghent School and Tarrallton Community Center and ATC/Blackhawk Company off Miller Store Road. Security will not be available at any of these lots so residents should lock their vehicles and keep valuables with them.
