CHINCOTEAGUE, VA – The Town of Chincoteague’s Emergency Management Team is closely monitoring Hurricane Erin, which is expected to affect the area beginning late tonight and into early Friday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast, residents should prepare for wind gusts up to 50 mph, brief heavy rain showers, and moderate tidal flooding.
Current tidal conditions are already reaching high-end minor to moderate levels. The Thursday evening high tide, expected between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, will start at the Harbor and Ocean Breeze, moving northward through the evening. A second round of minor to moderate flooding is expected with the Friday morning high tide, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
VDOT is closely monitoring the causeway and will notify the Town of any potential closures. Updates will be provided to residents through the Code Red system and other media outlets. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power outages and flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. The Town advises securing loose outdoor items such as flags, chairs, and trash cans, and moving vehicles away from flood-prone areas. For ongoing updates, residents are urged to monitor local media, visit the Town’s website at www.chincoteague-va.gov, and follow the Town on Facebook.
Photo: chincoteague-va.gov