HAMPTON, Va. — City crews in Hampton spent Tuesday clearing storm drains ahead of a coastal storm that forecasters say could produce rainfall and localized flooding across the region. The preparations come as residents in low-lying neighborhoods once again voiced concern about repeated water damage to yards and homes.
City actions, resident concerns
Officials said storm drains were being cleaned as a proactive measure to reduce the risk of street and yard flooding. News 3 meteorologists expected about 1 inch of rain for much of Hampton Roads during the forecast period.
Residents such as Carla Graves Carney described frustration and anxiety over the impacts of recurring floods on their properties. Graves Carney, who said she works as a realtor, said the flooding has affected landscaping and raised worries about structural damage.
“Each year, it gets worse and worse and worse,” Graves Carney said, adding that repeated flooding has uprooted trees and increased the likelihood of damage to her house.
She told reporters she frequently faces questions from clients and neighbors about whether she should sell her home, but noted disclosure obligations related to flooding complicate the decision. In May, Graves Carney and others in her neighborhood asked the city for help after experiencing repeated inundation.
Guidance for residents
Hampton Public Information Officer Mike Holtzclaw urged residents to monitor the city’s social media channels for updates during the storm and encouraged people who live in flood-prone areas to move vehicles to higher ground.
The city has made parking available downtown for those who need a dry place to leave cars. Officials noted the Settlers Landing parking garage near the waterfront is open to drivers looking to avoid potential street flooding.
- Have a plan for moving vehicles if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Follow city social media and official channels for real-time updates.
- Secure yard items and inspect trees that may be destabilized by saturated soils.
City crews’ drain-cleaning work is intended to ease the flow of stormwater during heavy rain, but residents and city officials acknowledge that infrastructure limits and recurring high-water events mean some neighborhoods remain at elevated risk.
Local impacts and broader efforts
Graves Carney said repeated flooding has caused trees to uproot on her property, raising fears that falling limbs or trunks could strike houses — a particular concern for rooms located on the upper floors. That local account echoes wider discussions in Hampton about flood mitigation and the long-term challenge of managing stormwater in coastal communities.
Earlier this year, city and federal agencies have been studying flood risks in Hampton, including collaborative work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While those studies seek longer-term solutions, city staff continue to rely on routine maintenance and short-term preparedness in advance of each storm.
| What the city did | What residents were advised to do |
|---|---|
| Storm drains cleaned | Relocate vehicles from low-lying streets |
| Opened Settlers Landing parking garage | Monitor city social media for updates |
As the storm moved into the region, many residents said the city’s short-term measures offered limited reassurance. “Just sit back and hope for the best,” Graves Carney said when asked how she planned to respond to the forecasted rainfall.
City officials and emergency personnel typically urge residents to avoid driving through standing water and to take reasonable steps to protect property and personal safety during heavy rain events. For now, the city’s drain-cleaning and the availability of downtown parking represent immediate actions aimed at reducing disruption while longer-term flood mitigation strategies continue to be evaluated.
