<<<VA and those interested>>> Please read.

[Scott_inVA]

I have a nasty schedule now up here and posting to the board time is getting thin...so let's let 'er rip with a bunch of stuff.

Virginia interests... Va DES is at a higher level than Floyd at the same time due to terror risk. Received a "flash mail" directed to media they anticipate another ratchet up for Izzy on Monday afternoon, after meetings. They have a very good PR machine and are media friendly. They can't do anything until FEMA and NOAA do their plans and that is coming on Monday. Folks up here and those with VA interests should begin getting State info by Tuesday. I have a meeting w/Red Cross Regional Dir of ES on Tuesday. We've been told staffing isn't an issue unless this goes from bad to huge.

There has been talk about closing fed/state agencies RIC and east Thursday noon, depending on evac directives. No official word on that. ATTM (6P Sunday) there are no evac announcements planned *near* term. We're told State Police to cancel all leave for the end of the week. There is alot of National Guard out on duty, but over 400 have returned to Richmond and Lynchburg...they are available.

WREL AM is your basic news/talk station and well connected with County and State DES. If extensive news info comes in from these agencies we will post on our local news page on the web site...I'll get that to you if needed but it's easy to find.

I rec'd an interesting email from someone involved in power grids in the NE. After what happened recently, they are VERY nervous about this. Especially of interest along the coast is the fact they could intentionally isolate coastal communities from the grid as the storm approaches. Something to think about.

BTW, much of the region is 12"-17" above average rainfall. Rivers and stems up here are in decent shape. Along and west of Blue Ridge, flood guidance was around 3.5" in 24 hours. We probably can go ~3" before there's flooding. Unfortunately, "Henri" dumped copious rain over eastern VA and several inches of heavy rain there is near certain major flooding.

All for now.

Scott
WREL Radio
Lexington, VA