Weather
Virginia Beach Flooding Could Reach 2 to 3 Feet
Virginia Beach, Virginia – Fall begins Tuesday as northeast winds raise water levels, with coastal flooding potentially reaching 2 to 3 feet in vulnerable areas Wednesday.
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-09-22T09:18:20.528Z
Virginia Beach, Virginia – Fall begins Tuesday as northeast winds raise water levels, with coastal flooding potentially reaching 2 to 3 feet in vulnerable areas Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, northeast winds will strengthen Tuesday and persist through at least Friday. Minor coastal flooding is possible Tuesday, followed by minor to moderate flooding Wednesday morning.
Conditions become more serious beginning with Wednesday evening's high tide cycle. The Weather Service expects widespread moderate to locally major flooding along portions of the Virginia and North Carolina coasts and tidal waterways.
In vulnerable locations, inundation could reach 2 to 3 feet above ground level. Flooding could extend well inland from the waterfront and affect vulnerable roads and properties. The threat may continue through several high tide cycles into the end of the week.
Wind will compound the coastal problems. Gusts could reach 40 to 45 mph from Tuesday night through Thursday along the Atlantic coast, including Virginia Beach, Chincoteague, Ocean City and the Outer Banks.
Those persistent winds will also produce dangerous surf, strong rip currents and beach erosion for multiple days. The Weather Service advises people to stay out of the water because conditions could become life threatening.
Rain will become increasingly widespread Tuesday into Wednesday. Through Friday morning, much of coastal southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina could receive around 0.5 to 1 inch. Higher totals are expected farther inland, including 1.5 to 2 inches around Richmond and Farmville and 2 to 3 inches near South Hill. Localized flash flooding is possible where heavier rain develops.
Residents along tidal rivers and the coast should prepare for water reaching vulnerable roads and properties. The greatest coastal flooding concern begins with Wednesday evening's high tide and could persist through the end of the week.