Virginia Beach, Va. – Coastal conditions along Virginia and Maryland beaches are set to become increasingly hazardous midweek as Hurricane Erin pushes swells into the region, bringing dangerous rip currents and surf up to 12 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a High Surf Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Friday. A Beach Hazards Statement also remains in place through Thursday evening for Virginia Beach, Northampton, and Accomack counties in Virginia, as well as Eastern Currituck County in North Carolina and the Maryland beaches.
Strong rip currents, large breaking waves, and significant beach erosion are expected. Even experienced swimmers and surfers could be swept offshore or thrown into shallow sandbars, leading to serious neck and back injuries. Officials warn that conditions will remain dangerous for swimming and surfing until the end of the week.
Breezy winds will also pick up Wednesday night into Thursday, making beach travel more difficult and adding to coastal flooding concerns. Visitors are urged to stay out of the water and avoid walking near breaking surf.
Hazardous marine conditions are likely to persist into the weekend, with forecasters monitoring additional advisories as Hurricane Erin’s impacts continue.
Five Day Forecast for Virginia Beach, VA
- Tuesday: High near 82, chance of showers and storms after 2 p.m.
- Wednesday: High near 84, chance of thunderstorms, breezy with northeast winds 16–22 mph.
- Thursday: High near 81, windy with showers and possible thunderstorms.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 78, breezy.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 81.
