Norfolk opens shelters ahead of Sandy

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - As Hurricane Sandy heads up the coast, the city of Norfolk opened shelters and closed the flood gates.

Shelters are open at Granby High School, Norview HIgh School, Campostella Elementary School and the Bayview Recreation Center. The Bayview location is the only shelter that is pet-friendly.

Hurricane Sandy blew into Ocean View Saturday afternoon, churning the water in the Chesapeake Bay. Her presence was also obvious at gas stations, where fuel was hard to come by. Timothy Ozmon filled up for friends, but had to wait for the gas tanker to bring more.

"When that gas truck pulled in, it was like animals coming here," said Ozmon. "They could smell the gas! It was crazy."

Across the city, soldiers in the Virginia National Guard made last minute checks to their equipment. Chainsaws will be key to their mission to clear the trees Hurricane Sandy knocks down.

"We've already started receiving requests from state police to augment some of their troopers with chainsaw teams to go out," said Major Daniel Jones, with the Virginia National Guard.

WAVY.com spoke to curious residents walking the beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of what Sandy has to offer.

"We've got plenty of propane, lanterns, candles water, food, and each other," said David Lintz, hugging his wife. "This is the biggest warmth."

Like everyone else, the Lintz family has nothing to do but wait for the worst of the storm.

"This is pretty intense, considering it's just now getting started," said Lintz.

The city of Norfolk closed the flood gates Saturday afternoon. They are located in the downtown area, on Main Street at Nauticus, the World Trade Center, Brooke Avenue, Town Point Park and the pedestrian gate at the bow of the USS Wisconsin.

Ocean View hotel workers tell WAVY.com they had numerous vacationers cancel their reservations Saturday because of the storm.

To receive Hurricane Sandy updates from the city of Norfolk, register at www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777.