Virginia Beach, Va. – Coastal communities in Virginia are bracing for flooding and dangerous surf through midweek as strong northeast winds drive high water and hazardous rip currents along the shoreline.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, gusts of 30 to 35 mph will push seas to 7 to 9 feet, creating a high rip current risk at all beaches from Ocean City to Corolla, N.C. Coastal Flood Advisories remain in effect today and Wednesday for the lower Chesapeake Bay, tidal rivers, and Currituck beaches, where nuisance to minor flooding is expected during high tide cycles.
In Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Norfolk, residents may see water over roads and in low-lying neighborhoods. The combination of large breaking waves and flooding tides will make travel near the coast hazardous, especially along Route 60 and other exposed roadways. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid beach areas and use alternate routes if flooding develops.
Farther north, Ocean City, Md., and Assateague Island are also under a high rip current risk, with surf heights of 4 to 7 feet today and 4 to 6 feet Wednesday. Swimming is strongly discouraged, even for experienced swimmers, due to the life-threatening conditions.
Advisories are expected to remain in place through Wednesday, with updates issued as conditions develop.
