Emergency Services official warns of threat to Va. Shore from storms Jose, Maria

Accomack County officials are keeping a close eye on the paths of Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Jose.

Supervisor Donald Hart Jr., director of Emergency Services for Accomack County, updated the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday.

Hart praised Charles R. Pruitt, Accomack County director of Public Safety, and the department staff for staying on top of the situation and keeping Hart and the county administrator notified.

"What we've got going on now ... we've got Jose, which is stirring around right off of Delaware and New Jersey, and the forecasts are saying it could backdoor us," Hart said.

Maria, which decimated Puerto Rico on Wednesday, also is heading north.

The two storms could interact, Hart said, adding, "It is possible that Maria could be thrown into us. ... They're predicting it's going to come very close" to the Eastern Shore.

He urged officials to keep a close watch on both storms' paths.

"If that happens, it will happen next Tuesday or Wednesday," Hart said.

The rural Eastern Shore, during natural disasters that affect several parts of Virginia, has to "fight very hard to get our resources," he said.

Accomack County will provide emergency shelter to Northampton County residents if needed because Northampton currently does not have a hurricane shelter.

"We are going to open our doors and help them so that their citizens will be safe, if that situation arises," Hart said. Jose has caused coastal flooding on both the seaside and the bayside of the Eastern Shore.

"What you see now happening here — this is because of Jose," he said.

Hart also said an unusually high astronomical tide is forecast for Nov. 5, which could again cause flooding in low-lying areas.

"There's a chance of a very, very high tide. ...That could be bayside and seaside — so just mark that on your calendar," he said.

On Twitter @cvvaughnESN

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