Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth yesterday in advance of Tropical Storm Ernesto as local agencies prepare for potentially extreme weather conditions. The University Programs Council has also indefinitely postponed the annual Tom Deluca show, which normally draws thousands and was originally scheduled for this evening.
Rainfall is expected to be up to 12 inches, according to emergency management coordinator Marge Thomas at the Emergency Communications Center.
The worst will pass over Charlottesville and Albemarle County today in the early afternoon, Thomas added.
"The main thing right now is to pay attention to news and weather reports especially during the daylight hours," Thomas said.
Jeff Hanna, a spokesperson for the University, said the decision to cancel classes ultimately rests with the office of Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
According to the University's emergency preparedness plan, students will be notified of any scheduling changes by an announcement on the Telephone Alert lines: 924-7669 and 243-7669. Notifications will also appear on the University homepage. Classes were cancelled for a day and a half when Hurricane Isabel hit in September 2003.
According to Kevin Hall, a spokesperson for the governor's office, this is the first state of emergency Kaine has declared during his term.
The declaration allowed the state to assemble 200 members of the Virginia National Guard as well as river rescue teams and state police officers, Hall said. The state of emergency "also has the purpose of focusing the public attention on a coming event that could cause damage, destruction, death or injury," Hall added.
Devin Reilly, chair of the Comedy and Variety Committee of UPC, said this is the first time in recent memory the Tom Deluca show has been postponed. According to Reilly, UPC is trying to reschedule the hypnotist for some time in September or October.
Thomas reminded students to prepare for the storm by having essential food and water ready, and, while tropical whether patterns are very rare in central Virginia, "it never hurts to be vigilant and don't let your guard down."
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