Richmond, VA – Residents across eastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina are being urged to prepare for flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds as a coastal low moves through the region today through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected, with localized totals of 3 to 4 inches possible across southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. The heaviest rain is forecast from late Monday through Wednesday, with lighter showers lingering into midweek.
NWS has issued Coastal Flood Advisories for Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and parts of the Chesapeake Bay, warning of nuisance to minor flooding today and tonight. Coastal Flood Watches take effect Tuesday evening, when forecasters expect moderate flooding with up to two feet of inundation possible.
In addition, a Wind Advisory has been posted for coastal areas, where northeast winds may gust between 40 and 45 miles per hour through Tuesday. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Wednesday.
Forecasters also caution that High Surf Advisories and a high risk of rip currents will affect Virginia and North Carolina beaches during this period.
Drivers and coastal residents are urged to monitor conditions closely and allow extra time for travel in areas prone to flooding.
