As Hurricane Florence is expected to move over the east coast, bringing potential tropical storm conditions as early as late Wednesday, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield Monday offered a look into how this storm could affect people in Lunenburg County.

“Right now there’s still some uncertainty about the track,” NWS Meteorologist Eswar Iyer said Monday about the path of the category-four hurricane. “The main threats would be heavy rainfall and flooding, in addition to some gusty winds, and depending on the track it takes those impacts could potentially be very significant.”

While uncertainties remain about the projection of the hurricane, damaging hurricane force winds may become more likely along the North Carolina coast, reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) Tuesday morning cited.

Hurricane Florence may slow or stall during its course, “leading to a prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall event.”

The possibility of high winds and flooding can be daunting. For residents and families preparing for the storm, Iyer recommended visiting the NWS Wakefield website, which has resources for protecting one’s homes in the event of a hurricane.

Recommendations include securing one’s homes by covering all of the windows.

“Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows,” the website cited. “A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install. Buy supplies before the hurricane season rather than waiting for the pre-storm rush.”

“Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm,” the website continued. “Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors. If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction.”

Following instructions from local officials and listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or other radio or TV stations for the latest storm news are also listed.

To find a list of what to pack in an emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

In the event of power outages, contact Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or Southside Electric Cooperative at 1-866-878-5514.

In the event that assistance from area first responders is needed to remove fallen trees, fire-related or medical emergencies, contact Victoria Fire & Rescue at (434) 696-2605, Kenbridge Fire Department at (434) 696-3131 and Kenbridge Emergency Squad at (434) 676-4848.

To contact Virginia Commonwealth University Health Community Memorial Hospital, call (434) 447-3151.

The Town of Kenbridge reported that due to potential inclement weather, the town’s trash route will be moved to Thursday instead of Friday.

Lunenburg County Administrator Tracy Gee said the County and Towns officials, including representatives of the Lunenburg County Sheriff’s Office and Lunenburg County Public Schools are set to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss plans for potential weather impacts in the county. Gee said the county will use the CodeRED Notification System to alert residents to important information, including sheltering if needed.

“We will all stay in touch over the next few days as the track of Hurricane Florence is more predictable,” Gee said.
Residents who need to get on the CodeRED call list can visit https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/EAE28CC142E9.

Gee said the county will also be in touch with residents via its Facebook page, “Lunenburg County, VA.”

Please visit kenbridgevictoriadispatch.com for storm updates as they become available. Send us your news tips and photos at stormreport@KenbridgeVictoriaDispatch.com.