Norfolk, Va. – Heavy rain, powerful winds, and dangerous surf are converging on coastal Virginia and northeast North Carolina, raising the risk of flash flooding, power outages, and beach erosion through Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, more than 2 inches of rain has already fallen across parts of Hampton Roads, with an additional 2 to 3 inches likely. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Elizabeth City, where totals could top 4 inches in localized spots.
A Wind Advisory is also active for Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore, with gusts up to 50 mph expected this afternoon and evening. Downed trees and scattered power outages are possible as saturated ground combines with strong winds.
Coastal flooding is forecast at high tide tonight, with the greatest concern along the James River and southern Chesapeake Bay, where water levels could rise up to three feet. A Coastal Flood Warning is in place, and officials warn drivers to avoid flooded roads.
Beachgoers face hazardous surf conditions with breaking waves up to 11 feet. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect, with significant dune erosion expected from Virginia Beach south to Corolla, N.C. Rip current risks are high everywhere.
The storm system lingers into early Wednesday, with additional advisories possible as tides and rainfall combine to push flooding risks higher.
