Hampton, Virginia – Relentless thunderstorms Thursday night have unleashed flash flooding across Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and surrounding areas, leaving several major roads and low-lying neighborhoods underwater and impassable into early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, radar tracked 2 to 3.5 inches of rainfall across central Isle of Wight County, the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Poquoson, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible before the Flash Flood Warning expires at 1 a.m. Friday. Rainfall rates are peaking at 1 to 2 inches in just 30 minutes, overwhelming storm drains and causing rapid rises in creeks and urban streets.
Drivers along I-664, Route 17, Buckroe Beach Road, and residential areas near Fort Monroe and Carrollton should avoid all travel as water levels continue rising. The risk is especially high overnight, when flooded roads are difficult to spot. Flooding is ongoing in neighborhoods such as Zuni, Grand View, and Benns Church, with reports of stranded vehicles and water entering low-lying homes.
Residents should shelter in place, avoid all flooded roads, and move valuables to higher ground. Power outages are possible if flooding worsens. “Turn around, don’t drown” remains the key advice—most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
