Health Districts Urge Planning for Severe Weather

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published March 11th, 2026

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts in Virginia are urging residents to plan for severe spring weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding. The notice provides safety tips and encourages participation in Severe Weather Awareness Week activities.

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What changed

The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) have issued a notice advising residents to prepare for severe spring weather events such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding. The notice coincides with Severe Weather Awareness Week and provides specific safety recommendations for each type of hazard, including actions to take indoors and outdoors, and emphasizes the importance of having a plan and staying informed.

While this is a public health advisory and not a regulatory mandate, it serves as a reminder for individuals and potentially organizations within the affected health districts to review and update their emergency preparedness plans. The information provided is intended to enhance public safety and resilience against natural disasters, with no specific compliance deadlines or penalties associated with this advisory.

What to do next

Review and update personal and family emergency plans for severe weather.
Familiarize yourself with safety procedures for tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding.
Ensure emergency kits are stocked and accessible.

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Last Updated: March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Public Information Officer, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov, (757) 594-7411

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Urge You to Plan Ahead for Spring Severe Weather Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 9-13

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – As spring approaches, warmer temperatures return — and so does the risk of severe weather. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed March 9-13, the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) urge you to plan ahead before storms strike.

Spring storms can bring a variety of severe weather hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms with lightning and flooding. The Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offers tips to keep you safe during severe weather events.

“Severe weather doesn’t wait until we’re ready and it can impact any community on the Peninsula, often with little warning,” said HPHD’s Local Emergency Coordinator, Mariel Waller. “We encourage everyone to take time to understand severe weather risks, make a plan with their loved ones, and stay informed so they can respond quickly when seconds count.”

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can form with little or no warning and bring winds more than 200 miles per hour.

If you are indoors:

Go to a basement or storm shelter.
If you do not have a basement, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Do not stay in a mobile home.
Remain sheltered until you are sure the storm has passed.
If you are outdoors:
Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
If driving, go to the nearest safe structure if possible.
If no shelter is available, lie in a low area away from trees and objects that could become airborne.
Do not shelter under bridges or overpasses.
Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 9:45 a.m.. Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate and practice their safety procedures.

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms can form quickly, bringing strong winds and dangerous lightning. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm.

To stay safe:

Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items before storms.
Go indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning, and bring pets inside.
Stay away from windows.
Avoid using electronics or anything plugged into an outlet.
Stay out of showers and away from plumbing.
Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. If you cannot get indoors, avoid water, tall trees, and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

Flooding

Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Floodwater can contain debris, chemicals, and other hazards.

Key safety reminders:

Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Six inches of moving water can knock you down; one foot can sweep away a vehicle.
Avoid bridges over fast‑moving water.
Severe Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for you to review safety plans, refresh emergency kits, and learn how to stay informed before storms strike. Severe weather can develop quickly. Taking simple steps now can help protect you and your family.
Have a plan . Talk with your family about where to go and what to do if severe weather occurs. Make sure everyone knows the safest places in your home and how to communicate during an emergency. You can create a family emergency plan online.
Build an emergency kit . A disaster supplies kit includes the basic items your household may need if you must shelter in place for several days. This may include water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents. Guidance on what to include and where to store your kit is available at gov .
Stay informed. Reliable alerts save lives. Use a weather radio, the FEMA app, or local alert systems to receive timely warnings. Check the settings on your mobile device to ensure you can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Make sure you understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know when to take action.
If you have questions about weather safety, please contact the Hampton Health District at (757) 727-1172 and the Peninsula Health District at (757) 594-7300.