With hurricane gone, region returning to normal

Hurricane Earl appears to have spared South Hampton Roads of major problems, so far.

The Verizon Wireless American Music Festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is scheduled to open tonight, with a slight delay to allow crews to complete setup once the winds subside, according to a news release. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first band, The Trammps, is set to start playing at 7:45 p.m.

But if the winds kick up more, there’s still a chance the festival will be delayed or canceled, said spokesman Mike Hilton.

The city is concerned about how a 13-foot sand wall constructed to protect a stage on Fifth Street will hold up during the 4 p.m. high tide.

Officials with the Coast Guard said normal operations have resumed at the port of Hampton Roads.

Citing the possibility of gale force winds at Virginia capes, the Coast Guard closed the port Thursday morning to all vessels without specific permission to enter.

The Virginia Beach Emergency Operations Center received only about a dozen calls related to Earl, one for a downed tree and the rest for wire and transformer issues, said Battalion Chief Michael Barakey, a spokesman for the Fire Department. No flooding has been reported, Barakey said.

Norfolk city officials report no problems. In fact, there's less flooding around town than during a typical thunderstorm.

“Hats off to the citizens in taking a proactive role in getting ready," said city spokesman Bob Batcher.

Chesapeake reported no flooding or road closures around 8:30 a.m. People actually made fewer emergency calls than usual overnight, an update from the city said. No evacuations were ordered and no shelters opened.

Emergency Management officials will remain in the Emergency Operations Center for now, but other city departments are returning to their regular duties.

Pilot reporters Patrick Wilson and Corinne Reilly contributed to this story.