Hampton Roads and OBX brace for Tropical Storm Debby

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Emergency preparation is underway in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks as the region braces for Tropical Storm Debby.

There is still some uncertainty about the track of Tropical Storm Debby, but the area will likely see large amounts of rain.

Crews across the region are preparing for the possibility of flooding, and inclement weather has already forced the cancellation or postponement of several local events.

Colonial Downs Racetrack announced Wednesday that the Festival of Racing, originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10 has been rescheduled for Sunday, Aug. 11.

The Norfolk Police Department cancelled its National Night out Tuesday due to inclement weather.

The storm is expected the bring heavy rain and leave standing water in slow drainage areas along NC 12. NCDOT crews are staging equipment from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke “in all the usual hotspots.” Additionally, crews are checking storm water structures and making certain that all necessary equipment is in working condition.

Dare County announced that the public meeting for input Outer Banks Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7 at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department has been postponed due to weather. Instead, the meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.

Residents of Dare County are also encouraged to take a survey to share their opinions on the mitigation planning process. The link to the survey can be found here.

Tropical Storm Debby could also potentially impact trash collection in Dare County. Sanitation crews intend to make every effort to collect trash on schedule. However, dangerous weather conditions may prevent this. For more information, please contact Dare County Public Works at 252-475-5844 or visit darenc.gov.

Travelers should use caution around the hours of high tide along vulnerable areas of N.C.
Highway 12 from today, Aug. 7, through at least Friday, Aug. 9, particularly at the northern
end of Ocracoke Island, due to the potential for ocean over wash.

Low-lying areas of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island are likely to contain several inches of
standing water. Motorists should use caution and slow down.

Poquoson police canceled their National Night Out event because of inclement weather.

York County announced that citizens are able to park their vehicles in the parking lots at the McReynolds Athletic Complex and Chisman Creek Park due to potential high water over the next several days. Vehicles (including RVs, boats, trailers, trucks, etc.) should be removed from the parking lots by Sunday afternoon.