Accomack Co. officials closely monitoring flooding as high tide rolls in

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – Accomack County is dealing with potentially dangerous flooding as a nor’easter rolls through.

On Chincoteague Island, local officials are closely monitoring water levels in the causeway. Route 175 snakes over the water, offering the only way on or off the island.

“You never know about these tides. They’re driven by many different things; wind, surf conditions. It’s better to be prepared than not,” said Chincoteague Mayor Arthur Leonard.

Monday afternoon, water was already edging onto Route 175. The low tide could be seen filling up boat ramps, and even carrying jellyfish into parking lot puddles. A voluntary evacuation notice issued on Sunday evening was cancelled in the afternoon hours of Monday.

Meanwhile, an emergency shelter opened at Arcadia High School. The shelter was closed down once the evacuation notice was lifted. Still, the Accomack County Emergency Operations Center is urging residents to play it safe as the storm rolls through.

“I think the biggest area of uncertainty is how bad the high tide is going to be,” said Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management Sarah Dickey. “Especially in the low-lying areas, definitely if you don’t have to go out, don’t go out. Watch out for flooded roadways. If they’re flooded, don’t go through it. Don’t count on that you’ve done it before. This storm is a little bit different.”

Mayor Leonard says town leaders will be keeping a close eye on flooding and the causeway overnight. He adds that they are planning to reassess the situation Tuesday morning.