Hurricane Sandy 2012 In Virginia: Governor Bob McDonnell Says No Widespread Storm Evacuations Expected In Virginia

Virginia Governor Does Not Expect Widespread Evacuations
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Virginia will not reverse Interstate 64 lanes or order evacuations to get coastal residents away from Hurricane Sandy, Gov. Bob McDonnell said today.

Local governments could order evacuations if necessary, McDonnell said during an afternoon news briefing.

"Given the track (of the storm) we expect no widespread evacuations," McDonnell said.

Sandy is expected to make landfall Monday night by the Delaware Bay or in New Jersey.

But Sandy is such a huge storm that it will reach well into Virginia, the governor said.

McDonnell said "minor impacts" should affect Virginia Sunday, with the peak of the storm coming from Sunday night, Monday and into Tuesday.

"Our biggest concern remains the fact that this is going to be a strong storm of lengthy duration," McDonnell said.

McDonnell once again urged Virginians to prepare kits of food, flashlights and other items and to check on friends and relatives during the storm.

Cold weather is expected to follow the storm, so people should make sure they have blankets and other items to keep them warm if they lose power, McDonnell said.

State police and National Guard member are prepared to respond to emergencies caused by the storm, McDonnell said.

Charles Kilpatrick, chief deputy commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation, said VDOT crews and contractors s were prepared for flooding, high winds and, in western Virginia, snow.

Michael M. Cline, Virginia's coordinator of emergency management, said, "I think we're about as ready as ready as we are going to be." ___

(c)2012 the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)

Visit the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Va.) at www.timesdispatch.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services

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