PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Hurricane Helene's reach is being felt far beyond the areas directly impacted. Hospitals in Hampton Roads are navigating an impending national shortage of IV and other fluids because the facility where more than half of the nation's supply is made is now shut down. Floodwaters halted production of critical fluids at Baxter Manufacturing in Marion, N.C.Baxter produces 60% of the nation's IV fluid, which is critical for surgery to keep patients hydrated. Baxter also makes a specialty fluid for dialysis, which helps patients with kidney failure filter waste from their blood, as well as irrigation fluids, used to clean or flush wounds. "So hospitals around Virginia working with the association and with our partners in the state and federal government are looking at the best response strategies for this," said Julian Walker, vice president of communications for the Virginia Hospital and Health Care Association. "And I think that's going to vary by hospital."Walker told WAVY some Virginia hospitals are considering postponing elective surgeries, as the shortage is expected to last several months.He also said that supply chain disruptions during the pandemic have helped them prepare."While this is not a welcome situation, it is also not completely unfamiliar territory," Walker said. "And so I would say that our hospitals are going to adapt and work around these conditions, but they are challenging." 10 On Your Side reached out to the hospital systems serving Hampton Roads. Riverside Health System and Sentara Health report minimal impact right now. In a statement, Sentara said it sources IV solutions through a different manufacturer and has a 30 to 60-day supply. They are purchasing additional IV products as they are available. Riverside said its staff is managing its supply and, in some cases, alternative fluids may be used when appropriate. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is actively working with its supply chain department to source fluids and is conserving when possible, while Bon Secours is currently assessing potential local impact. Baxter is ramping up efforts to get back online, and is working with the Food and Drug Administration. A senior government official told 10 On Your Side it may allow temporary imports or expedite reviews once manufacturing lines are restored.