Richmond, Va. – Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms could upend travel and outdoor plans across Virginia and northeast North Carolina this Father’s Day, with the greatest impacts expected between 2 and 10 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, a Flood Watch remains in effect for southeast and south-central Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Emporia, Norfolk, and southside Hampton Roads, as well as portions of northeast North Carolina. Damaging wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph are possible, and isolated storms may briefly reach severe levels. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out in far southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall in areas mainly along and south of US-460, where 2–3 inches of rain could fall by tonight. Locally higher totals are possible. Slow-moving storms, combined with already saturated soils from previous rainfall, could trigger flash flooding, especially in urban, low-lying, or flood-prone zones.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, secure loose outdoor items, and remain indoors during thunderstorm warnings. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains critical advice.
Storms will taper off overnight, but additional alerts may be issued depending on how cells develop later this evening.
