Car Lockout in Norfolk, VA

A lockout with a deadline

When high tides threaten, Norfolk opens designated garages to residents' cars. The Office of Emergency Management activates the city's flood parking strategy once tides are forecast to reach 4.5 feet or higher at Sewells Point.

For the September 2026 activation, the notice listed the York Street Garage at 215 W. York St. through 5 p.m. on Friday, September 25, and the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage at 1067 W. 43rd St. through 11:59 p.m. that night, ahead of a Saturday football game at Old Dominion University. A vehicle left past the posted time is subject to citation and towing at the owner's expense.

Keys locked inside a car in one of these garages are therefore more pressing than they look. Put the garage name, the level and the move-out time at the top of the request, and check the current city notice for the garages and times in force.

Flooded streets

The same notice warned of tidal flooding on parts of Hampton Boulevard and Brambleton Avenue. If your car is locked on a low street while water rises, do not stand in the water beside it. Move to higher ground and describe where the car is and how deep the water looks.

Heat inside a closed car

In a Virginia summer that NOAA calls very warm and humid, a closed car in the sun can turn dangerously hot. If a child or a pet is inside, call 911 first rather than waiting for a locksmith.

What to send

• the garage and level, or the street, nearest cross street and side of the street
• any move-out or tow deadline posted where the car is parked
• year, make, model and color, and whether the keys can be seen inside
• whether the car has push-button start and where the fob is
• that you can show photo ID, and whether the registration is inside the car

For the service, see car lockout; Norfolk explains the flood garage program. A key that is lost rather than locked in calls for car key replacement.