The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that rising temps mean summer 2024 will likely bring more severe weather than usual.
However, severe weather doesn’t have to come with severe consequences — start prepping now to make sure you’re ready for whatever El Nino throws at you.
Plan ahead
Richmond’s only evacuation due to hurricane risk was in 1994, when Hurricane Gaston threatened the stability of Falling Creek Dam in Chesterfield. That said, it never hurts to have a plan in place.
Evacuation plans can be as simple as choosing a friend or family member’s home as a landing place. Plan based on how many vehicles you’ll have at hand, and remember to account for any pets you’ll be bringing along.
Category 5 Hurricane Camille brought serious flooding to the Richmond area, destroying infrastructure and making large-scale evacuation impossible.
Hold your horses — no need to fill your basements with toilet paper and canned beans. A thoughtfully-assembled emergency kit can serve your household through any number of serious situations.
A basic kit should include a first aid kit, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights and batteries, some cash, and enough food, water, and prescription medications for 3-5 days. If you can, look to add items like extra clothes, sanitation supplies, and spare blankets.
The Richmond Floodwall has been in place to protect Shockoe and Manchester from disaster since 1995.
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Photo by RICtoday
Secure your home
With no storms currently on the horizon, now is the time for homeowners to make sure their insurance is up to date. If you live near the James, flood insurance is especially important.
If a storm is coming, there are steps you can take to protect your home. Pruning dead limbs from trees, bringing in lawn items, and securing large windows with plywood can all prevent dangerous damage.
Events
Friday, May 31
Habitat’s Annual Comedy Show | Friday, May 31 | 6-9 p.m. | The Foundation, 401 E. Grace St., Richmond | $25 | Enjoy a night with local stand-up comedians and help support the construction of a local Habitat home.
Yot Club | Friday, May 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St., Richmond | $22-$35 | See the singer-songwriter with opener Boyscott.
Saturday, June 1
Bounce House Bonanza | Saturday, June 1 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen | Free | Kids ages 3+ can have fun on inflatable slides and obstacle courses.
Pride Party + RVA Soccer Day | Saturday, June 1 | 2-4 p.m. | City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave., Richmond | $12-$19 | Join the Ivy Pride Party + RVA Soccer Day at City Stadium, followed by a doubleheader USWNT and Kickers watch party at Three Notch’d.
Sunday, June 2
Artisan Market | Sunday, June 2 | 12-5 p.m. | Triple Crossing Beer, 5203 Hatcher St., Richmond | Free entry | Shop from local artists and makers for decor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more.
Flying Squirrels vs. Erie SeaWolves | Sunday, June 2 | 1:35 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $10-$25 | Celebrate Grandparents Day at the Diamond and cheer on the Squirrels in their final game of the homestand against Erie.
As work continues on mixed-use developments around the former Virginia Center Commons, a company from Tennessee now plans to add a a five-story, 279-unit apartment building to the area. The company is working on purchasing the space at 10551 Telegraph Rd. (Richmond BizSense)
Transit
By next summer, Virginia Breeze buses will offer the state’s first and only bi-directional east-west line. The Tidewater Current will run from Harrisonburg to Virginia Beach, stopping in Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, and Richmond along the way. (Virginia Mercury)
Outdoors
Have you seen Tree of Heaven around the River City? The invasive plant has set down roots in the Richmond area, taking resources from native and non-invasive plants. VPM’s Patrick Larsen broke down the issue the trees pose to wildlife experts. (VPM)
Sports
After an accidental premature celebration, the Randolph-Macon baseball team has clinched its spot in the NCAA Division III World Series. The Yellow Jackets are one of eight teams heading to the tournament. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Health
Thanks to a $482,711 grant from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, the city will put up three Narcan vending machines around the city. That money will also go towards other harm reduction measures to help prevent overdoses in our community. (ABC 8News)
Film
You may have heard that a movie musical based on the childhood of Pharrell is filming in Richmond. Check out five other productions that have used the River City as a backdrop, from teen soaps to Oscar-winning films to Apple originals like “Raymond & Ray.”
Drink Up
Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week — a celebration of Richmond’s vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.
It’s not often talked about, but up to 20% of postpartum patients experience postpartum depression. See what VPFW OB/GYN Dr. Kathryn Lucas has to say about risk factors, the symptoms to look for, and treatment options that help new moms feel like themselves again.*
Family
Jump on a grasshopper trampoline, launch pollen balls across the room, and virtually pilot a dragonfly drone at the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s latest exhibit. “Bug Squad” is on display through Aug. 25 and is ideal for ages 0-8. Plan your visit.*
Sports
🛼 Up the River Rats
Your guide to sports teams in Richmond
River City Roller Derby has roots in Richmond from 2006. | Photo by Joseph S. Ring
Lace up, Richmond — we’re going all in on the flat track. River City Roller Derby has two homestands in the month of June. Brush up on the basics of the sport and get ready to rumble.
Richmond’s roller derby organization became member league of WFTDA in 2009, and in 2018 it grew to two teams, the River City Riots and the River City Rats. You can now also catch Poe’s Punishers and the Hollywood Undertakers at events around town.
Richmond, it’s time you knew the truth — I’m in a band.
I play guitar in a group called Box Factory, and we released our second single today. Local music expert Doug Nunnally published a wonderful premiere for the song yesterday — read that here.
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