Norfolk Daily Local Headlines: Base access changes, outages, and travel disruptions

1) Naval Station Norfolk tightens gate access

New entry rules at Naval Station Norfolk took effect Monday, March 2. The change suspends the Trusted Traveler Program and means people without authorized base credentials generally need a visitor pass and a sponsor to get on base.

Commuters should also expect slower processing at gates while the heightened security posture is in place.

2) Transit change: paratransit riders redirected

Hampton Roads Transit says its paratransit vehicles will not enter Naval Station Norfolk starting March 2, until further notice. Riders who need to travel through the gates are being directed to use the Base Express instead, with delays possible at local installations.

3) Power outages reported across Norfolk

On Tuesday morning, March 3, reports indicated thousands of customers in Norfolk were without power, with outage totals around the 6,000 range at one point. Restoration times varied by neighborhood, and the cause was not immediately clear in early updates.

If you are still seeing flickers or unstable service, standard outage safety guidance applies: avoid downed lines, keep devices charged, and follow utility updates.

4) Norfolk cruise embarkation disrupted after ship power issue

A separate power-related hiccup affected the Norfolk cruise terminal Sunday, March 1, when a brief outage aboard the Carnival Sunshine delayed the ship and pushed back embarkation appointments. The operator said the ship required tug assistance to enter port and adjusted check-in timing as a result.

5) FBI Norfolk recruitment session announced

The FBI field office in Norfolk announced a Special Agent recruitment information session for active-duty military, reservists, National Guard members, and veterans in March. Registration is due by March 14.

What to keep in mind this week

• Allow extra time for base access if your plans involve Naval Station Norfolk.
• Paratransit riders heading onto base should plan for a Base Express connection.
• During outages, treat any downed lines as live and keep a flashlight handy.
• Cruise passengers should watch for updated terminal instructions from their carrier.

Sources

• https://gohrt.com/alert/naval-station-norfolk-paratransit-service-restriction/
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/naval-station-norfolk-updates-visitor-194142913.html
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/power-outage-norfolk-affects-over-155456565.html
• https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2026/03/power-outage-delays-carnival-sunshine-return-to-norfolk/
• https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/norfolk/news/fbi-norfolk-to-host-special-agent-recruitment-information-session-for-veterans-and-active-duty-military