Fire, earth, wind: Hampton Roads prepares

No, it’s not the name of a new soul group, just what Hampton Roads has been experiencing and is about to experience.

First, we’ve been dealing with the effects of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge fire, which is currently just 35% contained.. Then there was the earthquake. Now we’re facing Hurricane Irene, currently a Category 2 storm with winds of 110 mph.

Norfolk has announced mandatory evacuation of Category 1 storm surge areas. The Virginian-Pilot has a nifty tool that allows you to put your address in to determine if you are in that area and have to evacuate by 8 am Saturday. Up to date information can be found on the city’s Facebook page.

Virginia Beach has announced mandatory evacuation of Sandbridge. Up to date information for that city can be found on its Facebook page and on Twitter.

Portsmouth has announced (pdf) a voluntary evacuation for the city’s low-lying areas. For up-to-date information, visit its Facebook page.

I did not find an announcement for Suffolk but you can monitor the city’s Facebook page or Twitter account.

Hampton Mayor Molly Ward, ever the technology guru, has released a video for Hampton residents:

And, of course, the city has a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

Here is the information on Newport News. Up-to-date information can be found on its Facebook page.

The only good thing about Irene is that it may help fight the fire in the Dismal Swamp. There’s a lot of bad things that could happen. So get prepared, Hampton Roads, before it hits.

UPDATE: Hampton has ordered mandatory evacuations for its Category 1 storm surge areas (pdf) as well.

UPDATE 2: Portsmouth has ordered mandatory evacuations for Swimming Point Walk, Olde Towne, Southside, Southside Gardens, North Side of Craddock (north of Afton Pkwy), Afton Commons, Afton Village, Marsh Landing, and Westhaven (West of Caroline).