August 21, 2025

Hurricane Erin Approaches: Preparedness Urged for Virginia Coast

News Summary

Hurricane Erin, a Category 3 hurricane, is projected to impact the Virginia coast. Local officials are urging residents to prepare for tidal flooding, strong winds, and beach erosion, even if the storm remains offshore. Emergency management stresses a three-step preparation plan: make a kit, have a plan, and stay informed. Residents should be aware of evacuation zones and stay updated with local alerts as the hurricane season continues. Caution is advised during cleanup after the storm, and proper safety measures should be followed.

Williamsburg, Virginia: Hurricane Erin Approaches, Local Officials Urge Preparedness as Storm Threatens Virginia Coast

Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to affect the Virginia coast in the coming days, prompting local officials to urge residents to prepare for potential impacts. Residents are advised to brace for tidal flooding, gusty winds, rip currents, and beach erosion, even if the storm remains offshore.

The National Hurricane Center reports that the strongest winds associated with Hurricane Erin are expected to reach 40-45 mph along the coast by Thursday. With hurricane season running from June 1 to November, preparedness is paramount, according to local emergency management authorities.

Three-Step Preparation Plan

Sara Ruch, Deputy Coordinator of James City County Emergency Management, emphasizes a simple three-step preparation plan: making a kit, having a plan, and staying informed. Residents are encouraged to create an emergency preparedness kit that should be easily accessible and remain in one location.

Items for the Preparedness Kit

A well-stocked preparedness kit is essential for any household during storm threats. Suggested items include:

Non-perishable food and water provisions sufficient for a few days to two weeks
Insurance paperwork and important financial documents
Emergency contact numbers
Pet supplies such as food, treats, blankets, and identification tags, especially in case evacuation is necessary
Cash, since ATMs may not work post-storm and businesses might not accept cards or checks

Understanding Local Evacuation Zones

Residents should be aware of their local evacuation zones. Knowing evacuation routes and where to go is critical, particularly for those relying on medical devices that require power. In any storm situation, safety measures are essential. Residents are advised to stay indoors during periods of strong winds and to avoid windows for safety.

Staying Informed During the Storm

Keeping up with local emergency alerts is vital. James City County uses jccalert.org for emergency communication, and Williamsburg and York County have their own channels. Residents should also enable Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on their mobile devices to receive real-time updates regarding Hurricane Erin and other imminent weather changes.

Post-Storm Considerations

After the storm, residents are urged to exercise caution when assessing damage or potential hazards, such as downed power lines. These can still pose significant danger. Residents should pace themselves during cleanup to avoid heat exhaustion and cardiac issues, ensuring they stay hydrated and wear safety gear.

Safety Measures to Follow

Those using generators should remember to operate them outdoors and keep them away from living areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Following the storm, residents should refrain from consuming food or water until local authorities confirm they are safe.

Additional Sources of Information

For more detailed information on storm and emergency preparations, residents can refer to ready.gov and local emergency management websites. With hurricane season underway, it’s crucial for all residents to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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