Hurricanes are large cyclonic storms with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. They usually develop over warm waters near the equator during the summer and fall.
With each storm comes the threat of wind damage as well as storm surges, flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The front right section of the storm path is typically where most of the damage occurs.
Hurricane season is officially June 1 through November 30, however, the peak threat for the United States is August through October.
What to Expect
Hurricane Effects
Storm surges and storm tides can cause tremendous damage.
Storm surge is a huge amount of water often 50-100 miles wide that comes across the coastline where a hurricane makes landfall. It is affected by the depth of the offshore water. During a hurricane, the shallower the water, the higher the storm surge.
Storm tide is the combination of normal tide and the storm surge.
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore, extending from the shoreline through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves.
Tornadoes can form during a hurricane. They can also form for days after the hurricane has made landfall.
Flooding is a tremendous risk on the Eastern Shore of Virginia during hurricanes. In addition to storm surges and tides, inland flooding is a certain risk factor compounded by heavy rainfall.
Weather Advisories
Tropical Storm Watch
Wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within 48 hours
Tropical Storm Warning
Wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within 36 hours
Hurricane Watch
Wind speeds of 74+ mph are possible within 48 hours
Hurricane Warning
Wind speeds of 74+ mph are expected within 36 hours
Hurricane Categories
| Category | Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| 1 | 74 to 95 mph |
| 2 | 96 to 110 mph |
| 3 | 111 to 129 mph |
| 4 | 130 to 156 mph |
| 5 | 157+ mph |
Be Prepared
Make an Emergency Supply Kit
As with any major weather event, residents are asked to gather the following items in the event of extended loss of power and access to commercial business.
Bottled water (1 gallon per person, per day) for 3 to 7 days
Battery-operated radio and a NOAA weather radio
Nonperishable canned or packaged food for 3 to 7 days
Basic tool set
Blankets/sleeping bags
Cash (banks and/or ATMs may not be open)
Stock a first-aid kit
A corded telephone
A non-electric can opener
Pet supplies
Toiletries and other personal hygiene products
All vehicles fully fueled
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
Important documents, including your pet’s information
In the event you are asked to evacuate, have a plan and notification numbers on hand for someone out of the area to keep in contact with. Include these items in your emergency kit:
Keys (extra set to home and vehicles)
Bedding, blankets, and pillows
Toys, books, and games to keep busy
Clothing, including rain gear and boots
Source: Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Plan for Evacuation
An evacuation order is issued by the local government advising everyone in a particular area to evacuate. There are several levels of evacuation:
1. Partial Evacuation
All islands (not just barrier islands)
Waterfront properties including creeks and canals
All low-lying areas adjacent to marshes and wetlands
Flood-prone areas including rainfall-prone areas
Mobile and manufactured type homes or substandard housing
Zones as identified (A, B, C or D)
2. Full Evacuation
Entire County
3. Voluntary Evacuation
Local government officials strongly recommend that citizens located in specified evacuation zones relocate to a safer location
4. Mandatory Evacuation
Local government officials order citizens in specified evacuation zones to relocate to a safer location.
This evacuation order would apply to the general public. Essential personnel, i.e. public safety officials, disaster response personnel, etc. are exceptions but would eventually seek adequate shelter before the onset of the storm.
Source: Eastern Shore Disaster Preparedness Coalition
Hurricane Shelters
Accomack County has 6 hurricane shelters. Shelters will be opened on an “as needed” basis. Shelter openings will be announced on local radio stations. You cannot enter a shelter until it is open.
Source: Eastern Shore Disaster Preparedness Coalition
Keep Informed
Tune in to local radio. View the Shore Daily News Hurricane Preparedness webpage.
View our outage map.
Check the statewide outage map
Follow our social media pages for updates.
Stay Safe
High winds may damage electric lines.
To report an outage – or any hazardous situation – call A&N Electric Cooperative at (757) 787-9750 or log onto SmartHub.
