James Bryant, a longtime resident of Norfolk, Virginia, says the city’s streets flood every time heavy rain moves through the area. “At this point I’ve gotten pretty used to it,” Bryant told local media, adding that when the clouds gather, most locals already expect water to rise.
For Bryant, the inconvenience has turned into a serious hardship. In August, he lost a car after it became stranded in high water on Monticello Avenue. “I got stuck. I lost a whole car back in August. It wasn’t funny. I was pushing my car through water,” he recalled, describing how onlookers watched him struggle.
Since that incident, Bryant has switched to driving a Tesla, which he says gives him more confidence navigating standing water. Still, he cautions other drivers to avoid attempting to cross flooded roadways, noting that water depth and road conditions can be difficult to judge.
Calls for immediate action
Beyond personal adjustments, Bryant wants the city to provide concrete solutions for residents who are dealing with the same problem every rainy day. “They need something now for the people that are living here now,” he said. “I don’t know if you gotta pump it out. What are they gonna do? But they gotta figure it out.”
He added that each storm serves as a reminder that Norfolk’s flooding issue has persisted far too long. “I’m used to it, but I’m tired of it,” Bryant said, emphasizing the need for a lasting response.
What the city is doing
City officials have acknowledged that Norfolk’s low‑lying areas are prone to flooding, especially after recent heavy rain events. The Department of Public Works has indicated that it is reviewing drainage infrastructure and exploring options such as pump installations and roadway improvements. However, no specific timeline or funding plan has been announced.
Community members like Bryant hope that the city will move beyond study phases and implement tangible measures before the next storm season. “We love living here,” he said, “but the flooding is probably the worst part of it.”
As Norfolk continues to experience frequent rainstorms, residents are watching closely to see whether local leaders will prioritize flood mitigation and protect the city’s neighborhoods from further water damage.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
