ODU's Norfolk campus is sometimes affected by Tidal Flooding, which is a type of flooding not caused rain or storms, but by low elevation & natural tidal fluctuations.Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) has seen a steady increase in the number of Tidal flooding events and is working to mitigate and prepare for future events.
What is Tidal Flooding?
Tidal Flooding is the direct effect of low elevation and natural tidal fluctuations. Given our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, local waterways often are negatively affected by Tidal Flooding. This type of flooding is not caused by excess rain or severe weather events, but can often affected by these types of events in addition to regular Tidal Flooding events.
National Weather Service (NWS)
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts coastal flooding. There are 3 categories: Minor (4.5 feet), Moderate (5.5 feet), and Severe (6.5 feet) Coastal Flooding and each has a threshold that when surpassed, results in a Tidal Flooding event. The nearest NWS point of measurement to ODU is at Sewell's Point and TPS monitors this station's forecast regularly.
Whenever the forecasted Tide Height is in the orange zone or higher, ODU will experience some Tidal Flooding.
How does ODU manage Tidal Flooding Incidents?
TPS manages Tidal flooding several ways:
- Monitoring the NWS forecasts regularly
- Blocking off areas most commonly affected by Tidal Flooding with cones and signage
- Alerting students of affected areas and alternative parking locations