Yesterday we did hit 83 degrees at Norfolk International.  It was a nice day out for most of the area.  The showers came in during the evening between 7:30 and 10pm.  Here’s the estimated rainfall from Super Doppler 10:

We had a pretty good strip of rain start up over Newport News and North Suffolk.  It made it to Norfolk where the airport picked up 0.20″ of rain.  Then it dried out over Virginia Beach.  Look at Wanchese/Manteo.  A viewer emailed in that they got almost 2″ of rain down there yesterday around 5:00pm.  The storms didn’t materialize thankfully, but some areas got a quick downpour.  Today we started with temperatures in the upper 50s.  Highs though will only top out in the low/mid 60s.  The clouds should thin out this afternoon, but the winds will be northerly at 10-15mph with gusts to 20mph near the shore.  Small craft advisories are up for the boaters on the ocean and the bay. 

  We’ll warm up by mid week with highs in the 70s.  We’ll probably see some 80s on Thursday with a cool down for Halloween. 

Meteorologist: Jeremy Wheeler

Ok, I know warmy is not a real word…but it could be someday.  (Cheesy grin)

Today we will really warm up.  We hit 81 degrees yesterday at Norfolk International.  Today we’ll be in the low 80s again.  We will have a lot of cloud cover, but the sun will peak through.  We’ll feel strong southerly winds with gusts up to 30mph.  The Storm Prediction Center does have us under a slight risk for severe weather.  The clouds should limit instability somewhat, but the wind shear is pretty strong.  Remember wind shear is the strong increase in winds with height.  This limits hurricane formation, but it aids thunderstorm formation over land.  0-6km wind shear (low-mid level) will be about 50-60 knots.  40 is about the threshold for severe.  So we’ll be on the lookout later today.  The front won’t move through until later this evening though.  So the bulk of the storms are expected more towards the dinner hour and sunset.  The 6z raw NAM (model text) doesn’t spit out precipitation until overnight tonight, but our Future Trak computer model shows scattered showers and storms by this mid-afternoon.

Tomorrow we’ll drop the high temperature by about 20 degrees.  Look at the temperature trend.  The average high is 67 degrees (white horizontal line):

Meteorologist: Jeremy Wheeler

Michael Steele is I’m town today rallying the troops!

I have been asked to blog about the campaign and upcoming election on behalf of the GOP. I look forward to sharing my thoughts about the race, candidates and outcome. Right now, things look good for the Republicans, but a lot can happen in 11 days!

“I’M A CLOSER”

“Andy, I know folks think I’m behind, but you know me-I’m a closer,” Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds told me. If Deeds can pull this out, he would become the best “Closer” in Virginia Political History. That is, except for Doug Wilder who was the best closer in 1989, becoming the first elected African American Governor. Wilder chose not to endorse Deeds because of his stance on guns, and his willingness to raise taxes if necessary to fund road improvements.

MAYBE NOT WILDER, BUT DEEDS HAS PRESIDENT OBAMA.

President Barack Obama is appearing in a new television advertisement for Creigh Deeds and plans to campaign with the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Norfolk. President Obama will be with Deeds at the Ted Constant Center at ODU on Tuesday. The new President Obama ad is a powerful 30-second spot and features Mr. Obama calling on Virginia voters to get “fired up” to elect Deeds on Nov. 3. It is by far Deeds most powerful commercial to date, and probably his most important.

POLLS: MCDONNELL STILL UP-Pulling ahead

The average of the three polls out this week on the Gubernatorial race: Bob McDonnell leading Creigh Deeds 52-37.

NEW MCDONNELL AD:

McDonnell ad pushes Jobs: Continues Focus on Creating New Jobs; Notes Business Endorsements and Commitment to Keeping Taxes Low and Getting Spending under Control; Contrasts with Deeds’ Plan to Raise Taxes on Virginians.

In a campaign about jobs and the economy, McDonnell has been endorsed by The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Realtors, the Virginia Credit Union League, the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Vietnamese American National Chamber of Commerce and The Northern Virginia Technology Council.

DEEDS GETS BIG ENDORSEMENT TOO: The RICHMOND FREE PRESS: DEEDS FOR GOVERNOR. This newspaper focuses on the African American Community essential to any shot Deeds has.

The Richmond Free Press wrote, “Creigh Deeds is an authentic, decent man, with moderate sensibilities. With a self-effacing demeanor that often defies the hype found in much of today’s politics, Sen. Deeds is a real, unpretentious, regular guy who takes responsibility for what he says and does.”

GOTV: DURING THESE LAST DAYS IT’S ALL ABOUT GETTING OUT THE VOTE.

Deeds will spend the weekend at the

NAACP “MEET THE CANDIDATES” FORUM. Sen. Deeds will join Bob McDonnell at the “Meet the Candidates” Forum hosted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at Virginia State University.

Deeds spends Saturday getting out the vote with Senator Mark Warner in Lynchburg, then in Roanoke, then in Blacksburg

(McDonnell-)

This week’s TRUTH TRACKER TRACKS THE TRUTH IN THE ADS FOR

Lt. Governor now showing on WAVY-TV.

It’s the second highest statewide position in Virginia. #2 on the ballot, and the race is political-nasty where Lieutenant Governor Republican Incumbent Bill Bolling is running against Democrat Jody Wagner

The Jody Wagner commercial begins, “If you never showed up for work would you get paid?”

Jody Wagner claims Lt. Governor Bill Bolling’s not showing up for work. The ad continues, “In four years as Lt. Governor Bill Bolling has showed up for state board and commission meetings only six percent of the time, in four years missed 63 of 67 state meetings.”

THE TRUTH TRACKER FINDS THAT’S TRUE, we asked Bolling what’s going on, “Why did you miss all those meetings?” Bolling responded with this explanation, “She is picking and choosing which meetings to note in the commercial…I’ve personally attended 80% of those meetings, and the ones that are not mandatory for me to attend are attended by members of my staff…just like all the other Lt. Governors that served before me,” Bolling told us by phone.

But Hold on, what Wagner’s ad doesn’t say is the only constitutional responsibility of the Lt. Governor is to preside over the State Senate as President of the Senate. “The Lt. Governor which is a part-time position has two constitutional duties one is to take over for the Governor if something happens to him, and the second is to preside over the Senate. Since I’ve been Lt. Governor, I’ve served as President of the Senate 200 days, and I’ve been there for everyone of those days.”

What about Bolling’s ad? It goes, “Jody Wagner isn’t telling the truth about Bill Bolling. It’s the Wagner, Deeds plan: personal attacks, lies, higher taxes. ”

Higher Taxes- That’s false. Wagner’s never voted for higher taxes because she’s never held elective office. That’s a point she pounces on, “I have never voted for a tax increase and I wouldn’t vote for one now. Times are tough, and families are hurting, and it’s the wrong thing to do,” Wagner says.

We asked Bolling about that, “She doesn’t support high gas taxes. She says that’s not true.” Bolling responded, “She says different things to different groups. The Washington Post quoted her,” Bolling said.

That’s true: The Post did run a headline suggesting that. The Ad says, “The Washington Post reports Wagner supports high gas taxes, “Bring it on” Jody Wagner on higher gas taxes.”

The story ran Oct 13.

THAT’S TRUE: The Post did write that, but Wagner claims a misleading headline, “That is not what I said…that is not what I believe.” Wagner’s been hit by an old political adage, “In politics, if you’re explaining then you’re losing.”

Bolling counters Wagner as a member of former Governor Mark Warner’s administration and current Governor Tim Kaine’s administration she supported their efforts to raise taxes, “Kaine described his proposal as “a fiscally responsible plan that addresses our transportation challenges in creative ways.” As Kaine’s finance secretary, Wagner, was quoted as saying Kaine’s plan “ensures accountability, balances the transportation budget, and changes the way that we do business in Virginia with respect to transportation.”

The Bolling campaign uses Wagner as “Guilt by Association” keeping in mind Wagner has never voted for any tax increase because she’s never held elective office.

Wagner with the last word, “I have never voted to raise taxes, and during these tough economic times do not support raising taxes.”

That’s this week’s blog. On the campaign trail, I’m Political Reporter Andy Fox.

I’ve been trying for a couple weeks to get information on the Sheriff’s race in Suffolk from both of the men who want the job.
It’s a good job. According to the Compensation Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia, the salary is more than $90,000 a year. That’s 30 percent more than the city’s median income.

Raleigh Isaacs, Sr. has it now. He’s held the position since 1993. According to a resume, he graduated from Christopher Newport University. Before becoming Sheriff in 1994, Isaacs was with the Suffolk Police Department from 1970 to 1993. He worked for the Norfolk Police Department from 1961 to 1970.
We’ll get back to the incumbent in a moment.

Challenger Jay Clason is a political newcomer who wants the job of securing the courts in Suffolk.

In a phone interview he told me he moved to Suffolk about eight years ago. Clason said he gained skills he thinks are valuable to serve as Sheriff while completing 27 years in the Army and Army Reserve. He pointed to establishing a police precinct in Bosnia, and creating police training programs in Hungary while in the military.

Unlike in many Hampton Roads cities, the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office is not responsible for maintaining a jail.
Clason said while he believes he’s qualified to manage the security of the courthouse and documents, he thinks the office can do more to help the citizens of Suffolk.

According to Clason, there should be, “cooperative efforts between police and fire departments, and the Sheriff’s Office.” He said deputies, “could assist the police department with some of the fundamental law enforcement responsibilities.”

Now, I’ll explain why you won’t read any detailed responses from Sheriff Isaacs about the office.

At 9:30 on a Wednesday morning in September, I left a message for Isaacs. At 10 o’clock on the same day, he returned my call. I informed him I’d like to ask him about the race so I could post something online.
He said I’d need to tell him what I wanted to ask. So I told him I wanted to know about his vision for the future, and to get his perspective on some of the controversy during his tenure. When I mentioned allegations from some of his constituents that he used his position to help a relative in legal trouble, that was it. He firmly informed me he would not speak with me. He hung up. I called him back. Again and again. I had a colleague try. No luck.
I believed at the time – and still do – that a journalist should be able to ask an elected official about anything that may involve his actions, in the realm of his elected position, that may have been perceived as improper. I am not saying the Sheriff did anything wrong.

That said, while some in Suffolk have raised the question on the internet, his opponent told me it is not an issue for him.
In fact, Jay Clason told me he just wants the people of Suffolk to hear from both candidates about how they are going to serve them.

That’s pretty much the extent of this post. If Isaacs returns my call before the election, I’ll be sure to post an update.

Hello fellow earthlings!  Wow! Check out this sunset.  This was a beautiful shot from our tower cam in Portsmouth Thursday evening.  Great colors.  Today we got up to 77 degrees.  A few inland areas hit 80.  It was nice and warm.  The average high is 67 degrees.  We’ll stay mild through Saturday.  Saturday we will be warm with highs near 80.  We’ll also see some scattered showers and T’storms with another cold front moving in Saturday evening.  We’ll cool down and clear out on Sunday.  Should be nice with highs near 70.  Transmission out….

Meteorologist: Jeremy Wheeler

Good food, good times all for a good cause.
The March of Dimes is still counting,but the organization raised at least $33,000 at its annual Signature Chefs auction.
The event was held Sunday, October 19 at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach.

FOX 43 and WAVY TV 10 are proud sponsors and I was happy to serve as emcee of the event. Even though this is a tough economic year, folks were generous with their time, talent and money. Local chefs offered samples of their best dishes. Thank goodness they were sample sized because with 20 chefs, that’s a lot of food! My favorite was the rockfish prepared by chef Mike Farrell of Still in Portsmouth. My favorite dessert was sweet potato pie prepared by chef Richard Boone of Sonoma in Virginia Beach.
Judges awarded chefs in various categories and guest got to vote on their favorite dish.
Here’s the list of winners:
Outstanding Presentation Dish – Richard Boone, Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro

Best Decorated Booth – Rich Cuocco, Harbourway at Atlantic Shores

People’s Choice Award – Eric Doarnberger, The Founders Inn and Spa

Outstanding Dessert Dish – Richard Boone, Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro

Chef’s Choice Award – Mike Farrell, Still

Most Environmentally Friendly Dish – Nigel Jenkins, The Great American Grill

The 2009 Dish of Hampton Roads – Executive Chef Pete Stine, Hilton Oceanfront Virginia Beach (Catch 31 & Salacia)

He prepared: Pan Roasted “Puppy Drum”, Corn bread, ragout of duck, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.

This dish will be featured at his establishment in January and showcased in the 2010 Annual Food Issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.

The chefs’ restaurants donated packages for the live and silent auctions.

The money raised allows the March of Dimes to continue research and community education to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

This year’s ambassadors are Brynn and Zach Earl, who were born premature 7 years ago, but are now thriving.

Hampton Roads March of Dimes Signature Chefs

After feeling like Winter this weekend in Hampton Roads, we are topping off the cold airmass with a cherry on top.  A frost advisory has been issued for inland areas.  This includes Gates county, N.C.; Suffolk, Isle of Wight county, James City county, and all points westward.  A strong area of high pressure will dominate the weather tonight through Thursday.  Tonight the high will create clear skies and light winds.  Dewpoints are in the 20s in some inland areas.  This creates a big potential drop in temperatures.  Lows will be in the low 40s near the shore and in most of the metro.  Inland locations will be in the mid/upper 30s.  However, a few rural areas will be in the low/mid 30s.  Watch the usual cold spots.  Blackwater, south Chesapeake, Franklin, and Gloucester Courthouse.  Bring in the sensitive plants and pets.  You will not have to drip the faucets tonight.  A hard freeze is not expected. 

  Interestingly enough we will see temperatures climb over the next few days.  Highs on Thursday will be near 80 degrees.  You may say that this is crazy weather.  I say welcome to Hampton Roads.

Meteorologist: Jeremy Wheeler

If you have to cross the Berkley Bridge on a regular basis, no doubt you’ve gotten stuck, sometimes for many minutes, waiting for a ship to sail under.
Starting today, you may still be stuck, but at least you’ll be prepared for the wait.

VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) has a set schedule now, so that drivers will know ahead of time when they’ll have to put the car in park along I-264.

You see, the Berkley Bridge used to be an on-demand bridge, meaning anytime a sailing vessel came through, the bridge would go up and vehicle traffic would come to a stop.

Now, VDOT is testing a system where the opposite would be true. VDOT calls it “a result of a temporary deviation from the federal regulation governing bridge lifts across the downtown Norfolk harbor. The temporary deviation, issued by the Fifth United States Coast Guard District, allows VDOT to open the Berkley Bridge during scheduled times rather than on-demand.”

So here are the times and new rules: The I-264 Berkley Bridge will open on signal at 9 a.m., 11a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning the week of Monday, Oct. 19. The bridge will not open during these scheduled times when vessels have not signaled and are not waiting for passage. The bridge will continue to remain closed during commute periods, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except during federal holidays.

There is a catch and here it is: the bridge can open upon request during the restricted hours for a vessel with a draft of at least 18 feet if at least six hours of notification has been given.

The scheduled lifts will go through next March (2010).

Let us know what you think!