NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – City officials in Hampton and Newport News have released information about storm preparations on the Virginia Peninsula.

There is the potential for flooding, power outages and downed trees in the region and they want to make sure residents stay safe.

10 On Your Side’s Tamara Scott started coverage at Buckroe Beach. Along the beaches in Hampton, flags flew Monday, reminding beachgoers and swimmers there was a risk of rip currents or strong currents that could be dangerous.

The weather was sunny with a cool breeze for much of Monday — that is, until a thunderstorm rolled in and cleared out the beach.

Twins Julia Norton and Judy Rash were only one of the families who had an interrupted beach day, by sudden rain showers ahead of Isaias.

“The lifeguard kept blowing the whistle and I was like ‘I think they want them to get out of the water,” Norton said. “And Judy goes ‘No it’s coming this way, we’re not going to get wet,'”

“I get the umbrella and the umbrella was pushing me,” said Rash.

It’s those high winds and strong rains that Hampton and Newport News officials are preparing for ahead of the storm.

Norton added her home is prone to flooding, 

“A little bit just ’cause where we live, where the road dips down, so my house gets more water than anyone else’s.”

We asked if they’re preparing, they said not so much.

“[We’re] just going to swim right into the house I guess,” said Judy.

Hampton

Officials say intense winds are the primary concern from this storm and are advising residents to tie up anything that could be swept away in a heavy rain or blown away by strong winds.

City buildings won’t open until noon on Tuesday, to keep residents and employees from going out during the worst of the storm. However, most city services will be available because many employees are teleworking.

Tuesday trash pick-up in Hampton is canceled, but crews plan on resuming things again on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s street-sweeping will also be delayed. The route scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, will be swept Wednesday, Aug. 5.  Similarly, the sweeping route scheduled for Aug. 5 will instead be swept on Friday, August 7.

Since coastal flooding is not expected to be a major issue, the city will not be opening a shelter in advance of the storm. However, Hampton is prepared to open shelters later if there is widespread damage.

Anyone with particular needs should contact 311-727-8311.

Newport News

In Newport News, solid waste collections (trash, recycling and bulk waste) will not take place on Tuesday, August 4. Collections will resume on Wednesday and will be delayed one day (Tuesday’s collections will take place on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and Thursday’s on Friday). Residents are asked not to place bulk trash or yard debris at the curb.

All city offices, courts and libraries are also closed on Tuesday.

The city is opening up the Fountain Way and Merchants Walk parking garages in City Center for Newport News residents in low-lying areas to park their vehicles for free beginning Monday afternoon. Due to size and space restrictions, boats, RVs and oversized vehicles are prohibited.

The Newport News Fire Department responded to 134 calls for service between midnight and 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday. Issues with trees and power lines were reported by 122 calls, and three calls reported trees in homes. One home has been condemned as the result of tree damage. Public works employees are working to clear trees and debris throughout the city, Newport News officials report.

Newport News residents experienced wide-spread power outages as of 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday. Newport News officials reported 32,147 residents and several city intersections without power. Dominion Energy is responding to the outages and drivers are asked to be cautious when traveling throughout the city.

When we spoke with the coast guard earlier this week they said to be sure to tie down your vessel and remove any items that could be picked up and washed away in the storm.

Tracking the Tropics