Mayor calls storm "sudden emergency" - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones addressed the city's cleanup effort Sunday at the Southside Community Center cooling station, following Saturday night's intense storm. Jones said he was pleased with the progress, in light of what he described as a "sudden emergency." The mayor remarked that in other types of storms, like hurricanes, more advanced warning is usually available.

Jones said that power outages remained the biggest problem. Power has been restored to area hospitals, police and fire stations, water pumping facilities, and nursing homes. Thousands more Richmond residents are also regaining power, as utility crews continue to restore electricity.

However, many outages still remain. Jones remarked that drivers must be sure to treat any intersections with "out" traffic lights as a four-way stop. He stressed that residents still without power should make use of the cooling centers available throughout the city. Jones warned of the danger of the high temperatures plaguing people who are coping with no air conditioning or even fans.

Dominion Virginia Power has donated ice to the Red Cross. Anyone in need can pick up free ice at Fire Stations 12, 22 and 25 beginning at 8 a.m. Monday.

Jones also encouraged citizens to have a safety plan and kit available for future storms. The kits would include items like battery-powered radio and flashlight and enough food for 72 hours.

The mayor said that crews are continuing to remove the 90 trees that have been reported downed across the city. However, no major buildings were damaged.

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