From Accomack County Emergency Management Officials

10:30 P.M.  Thursday, August 25, 2011

Issuing Authorities:
Accomack County - Jason R. Loftus, EM Coordinator
Town of Chincoteague – Bryan Rush, EM Coordinator

With regard to the fast approaching and extremely dangerous Hurricane Irene, Accomack County Emergency Management officials are advising all residents to prepare for high winds, 2 to 5 foot of storm surge, freshwater flooding, high waves and tidal flooding conditions beginning Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. Tropical Storm force winds are expected to impact Accomack at approximately noon Saturday. All residents should be secure where they plan to stay during the hurricane before noon Saturday.

Emergency Management is issuing a mandatory evacuation order starting Friday morning at 8:00 am for residents in mobile homes and any homes that are in bayside and seaside evacuation zones. Bayside evacuation areas include all homes generally west of Craddockville Road, Boston Road, Greenbush Road (Rt. 316), Mears Road and Neil Parker Road. Seaside evacuation areas include all homes generally east of Seaside Road, Atlantic Road and Fleming Road. A detailed map of the evacuation zones can be found on the Accomack County website - http://www.co.accomack.va.us/index2.html

Any mobile home should be evacuated as mobile homes may not withstand the high winds expected during this storm.

Areas safe from storm surge and tidal flooding include most of the "spine" of the Eastern Shore – including the towns of Painter, Keller, Melfa, Onley, Parksley, Bloxom, Hallwood and New Church.

Residents should closely monitor their local media outlets or the Accomack County website for additional emergency information.