The Role of the National Weather Service (NWS) in County Actions

When and to what extent emergency management actions occur is dependent on the level of the threat and information that is available to the county’s Office of Emergency Management. The county uses The National Weather Service (NWS) as the official source for weather data in all emergencies.  The Warning Coordination Meteorologist and Meteorologist-In-Charge at the Wakefield NWS Office participate in the Hampton Roads Emergency Management Committee (HREMC) and provide regular updates to local emergency managers concerning their products and operational procedures. During emergencies, they participate in conference calls and maintain contact with local emergency management offices and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). The county’s Office of Emergency Management can also access NWS products using the Internet. The Office of Emergency Management has several hurricane tracking software packages. One of those packages is provided by FEMA.

There are a number of meteorological considerations that govern the emergency management response to a hurricane threat. One consideration is intensity of the storm. The weather service uses the Saffir/Simpson Damage Potential Scale that defines 5 categories of hurricanes based on central pressure and wind speed. The work of researchers shows that the damage potential increases exponentially with wind speed. In other words, the estimated damage potential from a category 4 hurricane is on average to be a 100 times greater than a category 1.

Obviously, the higher the storm category, the greater the concern for potential damage.

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

Storm	Wind	Central Pressure	Storm Surge
Tropical Storm	>40mph
Category 1	74-95	< 980 Millibar	4-5 feet
Category 2	96-110	965-979	6-8
Category 3	111-130	945-964	9-12
Category 4	131-155	920-944	13-18
Category 5	>155	<920	>18+

In all hurricane forecasts there is a margin of error in the storm direction and size of the wind fields. The place of landfall can have an error of 100 miles at the 24 hour forecast. The last hurricane to make landfall in the region was in 1933. The probability increases with each year that another hurricane will make landfall. In the meantime, the Hampton Roads Region has experienced some damage in recent years when the last minute hurricane track just brushed us. In Hurricane Floyd, the already saturated soils failed to hold the rainfall, which caused flash flooding in the county and significant river flooding further west in Franklin.

The greatest impact of the counter-clockwise revolving system is at the northeast/right quadrant as it comes ashore head-on. The weaker side of the storm is at the northwest/left side as observed in recent storms traveling parallel to the coast. Consequently the angle of the storm’s approach to the coast is critical to the decision making process.

These hurricane characteristics carry significant weight in deciding emergency actions and recommendations for public protective actions. The greatest concern of Hampton Roads emergency managers is the general public 's complacency created by minimal effects from recent brushes with hurricanes and that their emergency preparedness is not sufficient to withstand a direct hit by a hurricane.

In other kinds of severe weather, such as snowstorms or northeasters, the county monitors the weather. As conditions warrant, VDEM sponsors conference calls for all localities to converse with the National Weather Service. Just as in hurricanes, public protective actions will be broadcast over local TV and radio stations as appropriate.

The only real exception is a tornado. In this part of the country, they can be on your doorstep without much warning. This is the reason that we recommend a NOAA weather radio. During severe thunderstorms starting early April through September, we can experience straight-line winds and tornadoes. It is very important to monitor the weather closely at these times, especially if you have outdoor activities planned.

The weather service uses the terms watch and warnings, and it is important to know the difference.

Warning - A product issued by NWS local offices indicating that a particular weather hazard is either imminent or has been reported. A warning indicates the need to take action to protect life and property. The type of hazard is reflected in the type of warning (e.g., tornado warning, blizzard warning).

Watch - An NWS product indicating that a particular hazard is possible, i.e., that conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (i.e., to be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes).

Straight-line Winds - Generally, any wind that is not associated with rotation, used mainly to differentiate them from tornadic winds. (Source: National Weather Service)

For glossary of more weather terms click here.

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Declaring an Emergency

An emergency declaration serves a number of purposes. It provides a legal basis for officials who make emergency decisions and take emergency actions. It provides for emergency procurement procedures to secure essential materials and supplies for emergency protective actions. It is a prerequisite for requesting outside assistance. In the case of a hurricane, the state declares a state of emergency early to mobilize state resources, such as the National Guard. The county usually follows when the threat presents a clear risk to residents in flood prone areas and certain emergency actions need to begin.  In a hurricane, that can be as early as 36 hours before landfall or as late as 12 hours depending on the category storm, the track, and weather conditions moving across the region.

Opening the Emergency Operations Center

The emergency operations center (EOC) is a central location to coordinate emergency management functions among various county departments and agencies for response and recovery. The emergency operations center usually opens in 2 phases. The first phase includes the coordinator of emergency management, Department of Fire and Life Safety staff, Sheriff’s Office staff, and Public Information Officer (PIO). At the second phase staffing in the EOC includes the Departments of General Services, Environmental and Development Services, and Community Services, the American Red Cross (ARC), York-Poquoson Social Services, York County School Division, amateur radio operators (RACES) and all the staff identified in the first level. Other staff such as the county attorney, financial, planners, GIS, and computer systems support EOC operations and come as needed to the EOC. The EOC is across the hall from the emergency communication center and both centers have emergency back-up power. How and when the EOC opens relates to the nature and extent of the emergency. Only designated personnel have access to the EOC.

Once the EOC opens, the county administrator and coordinator meet with staff for regular briefings. The Office of Emergency Management provides to the EOC staff and other county departments regular weather updates using the email system. The email system also provides another means for communicating with EOC staff, outside agencies, and other jurisdictions.

The York County's Emergency Communications Center manages a radio system for the Hampton Roads Emergency Management Committee.  VDEM has a telephone system that connects the jurisdictions within the 10-mile Surry EPZ with the Power Plant and the state EOC.  

The County has an agreement with the radio station in Gloucester (WXGM 99.1 FM) to broadcast York County specific information during emergencies.  All residents are asked to maintain a battery operated radio in order to receive this information.

Making Evacuation Decisions

Evacuation is a public protection action. The purpose of evacuation in a hurricane is moving people from the storm surge zones and mobile homes. The energy and the water volume in storm surge present the greatest risk to life and property. Mobile homes and similar type structures fail to provide reasonable protection from hurricane force winds. First concern for emergency managers in a hurricane is moving those at greatest risk.

Hampton Roads has a complex hurricane evacuation situation. Traffic clearance times for the region indicate a total evacuation of this area is not feasible nor  realistic. Consequently emergency management public awareness programs encourage people who wish to leave the region, to do so before they issue an evacuation advisory. Unfortunately the public will find they have to make that decision before there is a reliable storm forecast.

Evacuation decisions are local decisions. However, there is some effort to coordinate those decisions among jurisdictions in the region. Normally, jurisdictions within the region participate in conference calls for weather briefings and status updates from each jurisdiction and state agency. Evacuation decisions use information gleaned from these calls, computerized tracking and analysis models, and one-on-one discussions with the National Weather Service. Key factors in evacuation decision making include:

1. Providing enough time for people in storm surge zones and mobile homes to move before the arrival of 40 MPH winds.

2. Selecting an evacuation time to provide for the significant movement during day light hours.

3. Making the decision before a peak news time when the media can warn the greatest number of people. Evacuation and shelter openings usually happen simultaneously.

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Opening Emergency Shelters

Shelters in York County operate under a management system developed by the American Red Cross (ARC). Shelter staffing can include any combination of county, social services, and school employees with ARC volunteers. Shelters opened by the ARC will have some designation, such as a sign or the ARC flag.

Concerning shelter operations, there are a number of points that require clarification:

• Emergency shelters provide emergency, short-term shelters to the public when there is no place else to go.
• Emergency shelters outside the storm surge and flood zones provide a safer place for people who must leave those hazard areas. All shelters in the path of a hurricane are subject to high winds.
• Emergency shelters provide no cots or bedding. Supplies such as food and water may not be available. Individuals coming to shelters must bring a complete supply of items to support their stay in the shelter.  Use the same equipment and supplies as you would for a 7 day camping trip.
• The traditional ARC shelter with cots, blankets, and meals will be available as soon after the emergency as possible. However, this could take up to seven (7) days or longer.
• Pets can not go to the shelters.  Check with your veterinarian for other alternatives.
• Emergency shelters operate under ARC guidelines and provide basic first aid only. Individuals receiving home health care should consult their physician or home health provider concerning plans for health care needs and possible evacuation during an emergency.
• ARC shelters operate with a standard set or rules for evacuees. All evacuees must register with the shelter staff when entering. 

Emergency Shelters

The county has identified facilities (public schools) that act as emergency shelters. However, some of these facilities may not open for hurricanes. Consequently, to avoid public confusion and a risk to public safety, you need to listen to local radio (WXGM99.1FM) and TV for the listing of shelters that will open and when they will open. Usually, the school to open first is Grafton Middle School off Route 17 behind Fire Station 1. If you think you missed the announcement, then call the public information number at 890-3300 to confirm shelter openings and locations. The county tries to provide the public with enough forewarning to plan accordingly. 

Individual Responsibility in A Disaster

The county’s resources are limited so there will be a priority setting process that will include:

1. Within the realm of existing resources, the first priority will be those life threatening situations.

 

2. The next consideration will be situations that present the greatest risk to health and safety of residents. 

 

3.  Continuity of County government operations and returning to normal service delivery as soon as possible.

Because resources are limited in the county, the county will be very dependent on state and federal resources. It could take as long as several weeks to get those resources.  This is why, residents are urged to follow the family preparedness information available on this site.

Communications is always difficult during an emergency.  Everyone should maintain at least one standard telephone in their home and a battery operated radio.  The County will release information to the media and through an agreement with radio station WXGM (99.1 FM) in Gloucester to broadcast York County specific information at set times throughout the emergency.

It is important to have insurance.  Even though your not in a flood prone area as designated in the FEMA flood maps, you should consider flood insurance.  The state does not provide individual assistance and FEMA only provides assistance to ensure your home is safe, sanitary, and secure.  In most cases, they provide low interest loans to make your home livable.  The only way to fully recover is to have adequate property and content insurance.  

Just like in everyday life, county emergency services will respond to your trauma, illness, house fire, lost child, and other emergencies to the best of their ability. The county will work towards returning all county services to normal operation as soon as possible after an event.  VDOT, Dominion Generation, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, communication providers, and Newport News Waterworks set their respective priorities for returning services to their customers.  Organizations such as the American Red Cross may be available to assist you with basic needs, such as temporary housing, clothing, and food. 

Bottom line: The more prepared you are, the safer and faster your recovery.