VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Strong northeast winds are sweeping across coastal Virginia and Maryland tonight, bringing gusts up to 50 mph and scattered power outages along the Atlantic shoreline and the Chesapeake Bay. Residents from Norfolk to Ocean City are urged to secure outdoor items and use caution when driving high-profile vehicles.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday for Hampton Roads, and until 4 a.m. Monday for the Virginia Eastern Shore and Maryland beaches. The strongest winds are expected along exposed coastal areas, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chincoteague, and Ocean City, where gusts could briefly exceed 45 mph.
Tree limbs and unsecured debris may be blown down, with isolated power outages possible through early Monday. Dominion Energy and A&N Electric Cooperative crews are on alert for minor restoration needs overnight.
Winds will gradually ease toward daybreak Monday as the coastal low pulls offshore, allowing calmer conditions to return inland. However, forecasters warn that elevated surf and rough marine conditions will linger into the morning, posing a continued hazard for small craft and beachgoers.
Drivers along U.S. 13, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and Route 17 should anticipate crosswinds and brief lane restrictions this evening. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors if possible, secure patio furniture, and avoid parking under large trees.
The first half of the workweek will bring cooler, calmer weather after this blustery fall coastal event fades offshore.
