Portsmouth Declares Local Emergency

By: The City of Portsmouth

Residents Urged to Heed Alerts and Directions of Officials

Portsmouth City Manager, Director of Emergency Management, Ms. Tonya Chapman, has issued a Declaration of Local Emergency due to the threat of the Nor’easter formed from the remnants of Hurricane Ian and its potential impacts on the City of Portsmouth.  City Manager Chapman issued the Declaration this evening, October 2nd, effective 8 p.m., and the Portsmouth Office of Emergency Management has activated a partial Emergency Operations Center.  There is significant confidence that Portsmouth will experience direct storm impacts including significant flood levels that pose a threat to the lives, safety, and property of our residents. 

The Time To BE PREPARED is Now!  Residents need to have your emergency kits, homes, businesses, properties, plans, family members… prepared and ready.  No evacuations have been ordered at this time, but residents in low lying, flood prone areas must be ready to heed the directions of emergency officials if you are ordered to evacuate for your safety!  EVERYONE in Portsmouth must stay alert and informed and maintain situational awareness.  Please scroll for important information in the 6 p.m. email below.

ADDITIONAL CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSINGS

·       All Portsmouth Courts Will Be Closed on Monday, October 3rd

·       Portsmouth Public Schools Will Be Closed on Monday, October 3rd

·       HRT Inclement Weather Cancellations/            

Delays, and Detours

Ferry service is suspended effective Sunday, October 2nd, at 8 p.m. until Tuesday, October 4th. Bus and light rail services are currently operating on their regular schedule, but due to possible flooding, customers are advised to expect delays and impromptu detours.  Updated information will be made available on local news services, online at gohrt.com or via Customer Service.