2009 will go down in the record books as one of the wettest years on record reported at Norfolk International Airport.  In 2009, we received 64.66″ of precipitation.  In a “normal” year we receive 45.74″ of precipitation.  Here is the list of our top four wettest years:

YEAR          PRECIPITATION

1889                     70.72″

1877                    69.14″

1979                    64.96″

2009                   64.66″

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

Did the title make you think of that Whitesnake song from the 1980s?   

Although I love that song, I’m talking about something different.   I’m talking about the date June 1st.  This day carries some importance with me.  It is my sister’s birthday (happy birthday sis!) and also the start of hurricane season (hence “here we go again…).”

Although the tropics are quiet right now, I’m sure there will be some action soon.  Will one of the tropical systems be your name?  Here is a list of the 2009 Atlantic basin hurricane names from www.weather.com.

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

The start of the 2009 hurricane season is June 1st.  If you haven’t purchased hurricane supplies, this is the week to do it in Virginia.  May 25-31 is tax-free week on certain items used for hurricane preparedness.  For a complete list of eligible items, go to http://www.tax.virginia.gov/Documents/2009%20Hurricane%20Preparedness%20List%20of%20Exempt%20Items.pdf

For more on how you can prepare for hurricane season, pick up our 2009 Hurricane Ready Guide at one of these locations:  Farm Fresh, Geico, R.S. Andrews, or Harrison’s Moving and Storage.  Our guides feature a hurricane tracking chart so you can plot the storms with us.

Hope you had a nice Memorial Day weekend.  Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served and who are serving our country.

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

Yes, we’ve been spoiled for two weeks.  Road work has been put on hold for the holidays.  But, the Winter Break is just about over, and we’re getting notices of some delays you may encounter on your morning and evening commutes, starting next week.

Work on the light rail project in downtown Norfolk is continuing with a vengeance!  Look for lane closures at and near the intersection of City Hall Avenue and Monticello Avenue after evening rush hour starting on Monday, January 5.

Two inside westbound lanes will be closed on City Hall Avenue at the intersection of Monticello Avenue.  The lane closures are needed so Dominion Virginia Power can relocate utilities to prepare for light rail construction.  Crews will work 12 hours a day to complete the project as quickly as possible.  It is estimated the project will take about two months to complete, weather permitting.

Traffic will be impacted as follows:

· All westbound traffic will be required to turn right onto Monticello Avenue.  Vehicles will be unable to proceed through the intersection.

· The left turn lane onto Monticello Avenue will be closed to eastbound traffic.

· Between City Hall Avenue and just north of Tazewell Street, Monticello Avenue will become two-way, with one northbound lane and one southbound lane.

· Parking will be prohibited along Monticello Avenue between City Hall Avenue and Market Street to accommodate the lane shifts.

A detailed map of detours and alternate routes is available at: http://www.norfolk.gov/PublicWorks/pdf/tp-cityhallatmonticello.pdf

Pedestrians crossing at the City Hall/Monticello intersection should be alert to pedestrian directional signage.  Police will be directing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the intersection.

Motorists who typically access the Boush Street garage on City Hall Avenue from Saint Pauls Boulevard will need to take an alternate route to access the garage from one of the following:

Waterside Drive to Boush Street

Plume Street to Boush Street

or from the intersection of Granby Street and City Hall Avenue.

When exiting the Boush Street garage, motorists are advised to turn right and follow Boush Street to travel north or follow Waterside Drive to the I-64/I-264 interchange.

It is important to note that power will not be cut off to businesses or residents during this time.

The City of Norfolk reminds motorists that the downtown area is open for business throughout all construction projects.  There are over 9,000 parking spaces in downtown parking facilities available after 6 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.  These facilities are easily accessible via primary streets that are outside the construction zones.

For more information and a detailed listing of lane and street closures in Norfolk, please visit:   www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/tipreport.asp