ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607120058
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
NOTE: Above
Gov. George Allen declared a state of emergency Thursday as Virginia prepared for the driving rains, powerful winds and flooding Hurricane Bertha could bring.
But dire warnings caused barely a stir at Virginia's ocean resorts. Vacationers were warned not to wade into the rough surf at Virginia Beach.
On its present course, Bertha is forecast to hit Virginia late this afternoon.
Mike LaCivita of the state Department of Emergency Services said the storm could leave up to 7 inches of rain along coastal areas and bring winds up to 30 mph. But hurricane-force winds were unlikely, he said.
No shelters had been opened and no evacuations were ordered.
``It's probably going to do some minor damage,'' LaCivita said. He said tornadoes were possible east of Williamsburg.
At a public lecture Thursday night in Norfolk, meteorologist Duane Harding said Bertha may create some urban flooding, and some cottages at the remote Sandbridge neighborhood in Virginia Beach may be in danger of falling into the sea.
``Those of you who were hoping for a storm like Andrew or Hugo, I'm sorry to disappoint you,'' he said.
Allen said his action was precautionary.
``By declaring a state of emergency, we will be able to better coordinate our response to the hurricane,'' he said. ``I would also strongly encourage everyone to take all due precautions for the hurricane.''
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB