News Flash

Aug. 4, 2020 — Tropical Storm Isaias turned out to fall right along with the forecast — a major amount of wind with very little flooding. By noon, there was a sunny sky and debris everywhere. 

Hampton got only about an inch of rain. Winds were sustained at 30 to 35 mph, but frequent gusts topped 50 mph. 

Hampton’s 911 dispatchers got 335 calls between midnight and noon Tuesday. 

Trees were toppled and fell on roads, cars and some houses — and especially power lines.  As of 3 p.m., one-third of the city remained without power.

The dozens of blocked roads are clear of trees and branches, reported Public Works Director Jason Mitchell. By 3 p.m., all main roads were passable, but crews were still collecting debris. He noted the Wythe area, pictured, was probably the worst hit area of the city, with many large trees downed. 

Public Works crews will work as long as there’s light, and then go out again tomorrow, he said. By the end of Thursday, they should be done collecting from streets and public areas. However, he estimated, there will be residential debris for more than a week. 

In the public arena, power was the big issue. There were several sewage pump stations without power and about 16 traffic signals. Generators were in use at several of those. 

Dominion Power considers this a very significant storm. They will have crews from other utilities in the area by tomorrow morning to work on restoration. However, they can’t yet predict when everyone’s power will be restored. There were roughly 280,000 customers without power in the region earlier today, and power has been restored to about 100,000.

Residents should report damage or blocked roads to the 311 service center, at 311@hampton.gov or 727-8311. Please report power outages directly to Dominion Power at dom.com or 866-366-4357.