Great Neck Road and Waste Management

A single lane of Great Neck Road is still open in both directions between Cox High School and Adam Keeling Road. We understand the frustration of only having one lane open; however, the situation could be much worse if all lanes of traffic are opened and public safety has to shut it down multiple times a day as needed/unscheduled. We are sorry for this inconvenience and feel that this traffic plan is in the best interest of public safety for our crews, residents, contractors, traveling public and pedestrians at this time. The plan is to transition to all lanes open as debris management activities are scaled back, hopefully early next week.

Bulky item pickup resumes this week.

Virginia Beach Police Department Shares Traffic Schedule for Great Neck Road Related to Tornado Recovery Efforts

May 3, 2023 - 10 a.m.

The tornado recovery efforts in Virginia Beach are ongoing and complex, involving a great deal of heavy equipment to haul away debris and remove trees. In the interest of public safety and to assist in the efficiency of the recovery operations, the roadways in the affected neighborhood must remain open and accessible to residents and necessary personnel only.

To that end, for the duration of the clean-up initiative, impacted neighborhood roads are prioritized for residents of the area, emergency responders, and credentialed clean-up crews. To assist through-traffic, to the degree possible, one southbound lane and one northbound lane will remain open on Great Neck Road for local traffic at all times. However, to allow clean-up crews and restoration companies rapid access to the site, we encourage motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible.

The City is in a state of local emergency and we are addressing a dynamic situation that is anticipated to last for the remainder of May, perhaps longer. Additional roadway closures may occur as necessary as circumstances evolve. Efforts will be made to minimize these shutdowns. To help motorists plan ahead, residents of Virginia Beach can now receive real-time traffic and road closure updates for Great Neck Road by texting GNROAD to 67283.

"This recovery process will take months," said Public Works director LJ Hansen, who has experienced four tornado cleanups in his career to date. "We are still working to get streets cleared of the debris and this will take several days. We are asking that residents have compassion for their neighbors and patience with City workers. We are working as quickly, efficiently, and methodically as we can to put this neighborhood back together."

We regret the inconvenience this may cause but in the interest of ensuring everyone's safety and avoiding the additional tragedy of an industrial accident, we ask that our residents recognize the need for incident operations to proceed without interference.

Virginia Beach Provides Update on Resources Available for Those Impacted by Tornado

City Permit fees being waived for repairs necessary to make homes habitable

May 2, 2023 - 4 p.m.

The following are the latest updates from the City of Virginia Beach.

Text Alerts for Great Neck Road

Residents of Virginia Beach can now receive real-time traffic and road closure updates for Great Neck Road by texting GNROAD to 67283. The City continues to work to clear streets of debris following the confirmed EF-3 level tornado that touched down in the northern part of the city on April 30.

Non-Profit Assistance

Residents that have been impacted by the tornado can call City partner Crisis Cleanup at 757-276-8892. They will input the residents request or concern in the system then we will match their concern with a nonprofit that can actively assist. Residents can also call 311 for nonprofit assistance.

Report Property Damage

The Real Estate Assessor will begin processing abatements on those buildings identified as destroyed and will move next to reviewing those identified as having major damage to confirm requirements for the abatement. Code of Virginia (58.1-3222) may provide for the abatement of levies on buildings which are razed, destroyed or damaged by a fortuitous happening beyond the control of the owner. The damage must render the building unfit for use & occupancy for thirty days or more during the calendar year.

Property owners can report damage due to the tornado to the Real Estate Assessor’s Office at virginiabeach.gov/realestate or call 757-385-4601.

Permits & Rebuilding

Permit fees, not the requirements for permits, have been waived for repairs necessary to render the building or portion thereof habitable. For questions about permits for rebuilding, contact the City’s Planning Department at 757-385-4211. Permits will be reviewed/issued as quickly as possible.

The following items do not require permits

• Replacement of roof covering materials (shingles, etc.) for single family, two-family and townhomes
• Replacement of siding for single family, two-family and townhomes
• Replacement of windows for single family, two-family and townhomes

Any work required to secure, shore up, temporarily weatherproof, etc., (ex: tarping, boarding windows, temporary structural bracing) may be performed immediately.

• Structures that have sustained “substantial structural damage” are required to have an evaluation by a Virginia Registered Design Professional (Engineer or Architect) for determination of permitting needs.
• Structures that have sustained less than substantial structural damage shall be allowed to be restored to its pre-damaged state. Typical construction documents for less than substantial structural damage would include insurance estimates, contractor written scope of work/contract, etc. Additional documentation may be required if engineered elements are being repaired or replaced (ex: roof trusses, floor trusses, engineered beams, etc.). Please call 757-385-4211 option #3 for more detailed information.
• Structures in the flood zone should call 757-385-4211 option #3 for more information.

Debris & Waste Management

The City Landfill & Resource Recovery Center is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Residents can drop off storm debris at no cost. Rules and restrictions regarding questions like what can be dropped off and the size of vehicles allowed can be found at www.VBgov.com/landfill.

Normal trash and recycling schedules are being observed. Roads that are impassable or where heavy excavation work is being performed will be serviced as soon as our vehicles can gain access to the area. Yard waste collection continues to run on a delay. Please place bagged yard waste and woody debris in your trash cart for service on your normal collection day.

Dedicated Impact & Resource Center
Resources are still available at the Impact & Resource Center at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive. Representatives from the City's Department of Human Services are onsite for any public that needs assistance. If those impacted are in need of any additional help and support, contact 311.

Donations

City officials are appreciative of the generous offers of assistance from residents and businesses for their neighbors in a time of crisis. We are currently organizing and establishing channels where those who wish to donate can do so. However, we are asking that the community please not arrive with unsolicited donations.

Private businesses who would like to donate food to City staff assisting with recovery efforts should contact the Office of Volunteer Resources, 757-385-4722, volunteer@vbgov.com.

Volunteer Information Reminder

The City asks that volunteers do not self-deploy until they are contacted and given instructions. VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads will coordinate the necessary volunteers when and if the City requests their assistance. Please be sure that you have filled out a complete profile on VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads website so that they can properly contact you if needed. Register at the www.volunteerhr.org/vbtornado.

Great Neck Road

May 2: Road conditions on Great Neck Road continue to change as a result of cleanup and continued recovery process. Expect delays. Avoid the area entirely if possible. Text GNROAD to 67283 for real-time updates on the status of Great Neck Road and follow us on social media. We know this is frustrating and appreciate your understanding and patience.

1:30 p.m. Update: Great Neck Road is partially open to traffic. A single lane is open in both directions between Cox High School and Adam Keeling Road. Residents are asked to avoid the area if at all possible to minimize traffic impacts. Road status is subject to change and temporary closures may be necessary to allow clean-up crews to access the damaged neighborhoods.

Estimated $15.3M in Residential Damages and Public Damage Assessment $713K at this Time from Virginia Beach Tornado

City continues to provide recovery services and debris removal operation

May 1, 2023 - 4:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 level tornado touched down in the northern part of the city on April 30. The path was approximately 4.5 miles long, from the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River to Fort Story, with peak winds of 145 mph. More than $15 million is estimated in residential damage: nine homes destroyed; 36 with major damage making them uninhabitable; and many more with significant damage. The public damage assessment estimate amounts to $731,000 to date. These estimates do not include JEB Little Creek/Fort Story damage.

The City has a number of resources and information available for residents impacted by the tornado and the general public at emergency.vbgov.com.

Report Property Damage
Report any property damage to the Real Estate Assessor's Office. REA teams are in the affected area assessing property damage. Visit virginiabeach.gov/realestate for more information.

Road Closures
Great Neck Road will open two southbound lanes and one northbound lane from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. tonight. Neighborhood roads will remain closed due to storm debris clean-up operations.

Debris & Waste Management
All Bulky Item Collection has been suspended for the week of May 1, 2023, as Waste Management crews continue to assist with cleanup operations. This could be extended depending on the extent of storm clean up.

Normal trash and recycling schedules are being observed. Roads that are impassable or where heavy excavation work is being performed will be serviced as soon as our vehicles can gain access to the area. Yard waste collection continues to run on a delay. Please place bagged yard waste and woody debris in your trash cart for service on your normal collection day.

The City Landfill & Resource Recovery Center will be open tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can drop off storm debris at no cost. Rules and restrictions regarding questions like what can be dropped off and the size of vehicles allowed can be found at www.VBgov.com/landfill.

Dedicated Impact & Resource Center
The Impact & Resource Center at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, will close today at 5 p.m. The recreation center will reopen for normal operations to the public tomorrow, May 2, at 6 a.m. and will continue to serve residents impacted by the storm. Representatives from the City's Department of Human Services will be onsite in a dedicated room starting at 8 a.m. for any public that needs assistance.

Hot showers are available, power to charge phones and mobile devices and grief counselors for those who wish to speak to one. Coffee and sandwiches are available through today. Residents are encouraged to bring comfort items.

If those impacted are in need of any additional help and support, contact 311.

Volunteer Information
Law enforcement agencies are trying to keep the impacted Great Neck area limited to residents with verifiable credentials and clean-up crews. The City asks that volunteers do not self-deploy until they are contacted and given instructions. Until a need has been identified and the local community impacted has requested support, volunteers should not enter without being asked to do so.

VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads will coordinate the necessary volunteers when and if the City requests their assistance. Please be sure that you have filled out a complete profile on VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads website so that they can properly contact you should you be needed. Register at the Virginia Beach Tornado Volunteer Response.

Donations
City officials are appreciative of the generous offers of assistance from residents and businesses for their neighbors in a time of crisis. We are currently organizing and establishing channels where those who wish to donate can do so. However, we are asking that the community please not arrive with unsolicited donations. More information about how to donate/support impacted residents will be coming soon.

This morning's recorded press conference with City leaders and staff is available at Access Virginia Beach on YouTube.

Stay Informed

• For the most up-to-date information, monitor the City's emergency site, emergency.vbgov.com.
• Citizen Services: 311 is available 24 hours a day for questions and reporting non-emergency conditions. Please only call or text 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
• Learn more about steps you can take now to prepare for an emergency. Look for emergency preparedness information at ready.gov/severe-weather
• Follow the City on social media:
  • Facebook – www.facebook.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Twitter – www.twitter.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Instagram – www.instagram.com/cityofvabeach
• Power Outages: Contact Dominion Energy to report power outages at 1-866-366-4357 or online at dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency. Treat all downed power lines as live.
  

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Virginia Beach City Manager Declares Local State of Emergency Following Severe Storm System, Tornado

Visit emergency.vbgov.com for info about road closures, impacts

April 30, 2023 - 11 p.m.

City Manager Patrick Duhaney declared a local state of emergency Sunday evening after a severe storm and tornado impacted communities in the northern part of the city. The total number of homes damaged is unknown but is estimated to be between 50 and 100.

Great Neck Recreation Center Exclusive Use as Dedicated Impact Center May 1; Closed to General Public

Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, will be closed to the general public tomorrow, May 1, and will continue to serve exclusively to residents impacted by the storm starting at 7 a.m. Residents are encouraged to bring comfort items.

The closure will include the cancellation of all programs including After School care.

Emergency Website

Visit the City’s emergency website, emergency.vbgov.com, for an up-to-date listing of impacted areas, road closures, programs and services. Cancellations and service changes will be posted on this site.

Road Closures

Great Neck Road will remain closed between Cox High School and the bridge at Adam Keeling Road until further notice to allow for emergency and debris management work to occur.

Debris Management Information from Public Works

City crews will be out to pick up debris from public streets starting at 8 a.m. Residents who have trees that are contained entirely on their private property are responsible for their removal. Public Works recommends that residents speak with their insurance regarding coverage and deductibles before securing quotes or contracting with private tree removal companies. If residents use a private tree removal service, the contractor secured is responsible for removal of the debris as well.

Stay Informed

• Citizen Services: 311 is available 24 hours a day for questions and reporting non-emergency conditions. Please only call or text 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
• Learn more about steps you can take now to prepare for an emergency. Look for emergency preparedness information at ready.gov/severe-weather
• Follow the City on social media:
  • Facebook – www.facebook.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Twitter – www.twitter.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Instagram – www.instagram.com/cityofvabeach

• Power Outages: Contact Dominion Energy to report power outages at 1-866-366-4357 or online at dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency. Treat all downed power lines as live.

City of Virginia Beach Opens Great Neck Rec Center for Residents Impacted by Tornado

Several Homes Damaged, No Injuries Reported

April 30, 2023 - 8:15 p.m.

​Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, is now open for residents and pets impacted by a tornado that touched down in the area of River Road and N. Great Neck Road on Sunday at approximately 5:58 p.m. Based on resident reports and public safety patrol efforts at this time, more than a dozen homes along Upper Chelsea Reach and Haversham Close have been damaged. Virginia Natural Gas is responding to several homes with gas leaks. Dominion Power is aware of the incident and responding with crews. Please avoid area.

In addition to damaged homes, there are a number of downed trees. Remarkably, there have been no injuries reported so far.

NWS reported that the severe weather threat has ended, but heavy rains throughout the night may still cause localized flooding. A survey of the tornado will be complete Monday.

Please call 911 for emergencies including downed trees and 311 for information regarding other impacts or information.

STAY INFORMED

• Citizen Services: 311 is available 24 hours a day for questions and reporting non-emergency conditions. Please only call or text 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
• Learn more about steps you can take now to prepare for an emergency. Look for emergency preparedness information at ready.gov/severe-weather
• Follow the City on social media:
  • Facebook – www.facebook.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Twitter – www.twitter.com/CityofVaBeach
  • Instagram – www.instagram.com/cityofvabeach
    

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