Virginia Beach, VA – Flood watches take center stage Saturday afternoon as severe weather prepares to drench southeastern Virginia communities. Drivers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding counties face significant risks as heavy rainfall is expected from Saturday afternoon through late Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), excessive rainfall could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas, rivers, and streams, potentially making roadways hazardous. Drivers should particularly avoid flood-prone areas around I-264, Virginia Beach Boulevard, and Shore Drive. NWS advises residents to prepare early by limiting non-essential travel and having emergency supplies handy.
Dinwiddie, Nottoway, Prince George, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Isle of Wight, and Portsmouth are all included in the flood watch area. Urban flooding could become especially problematic in downtown Norfolk and Chesapeake’s Greenbrier area, locations historically susceptible to quick water accumulation during intense rain events.
Emergency officials remind residents to never drive through flooded roadways, even if water appears shallow. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains a crucial safety reminder as waters can rapidly rise, making conditions dangerous in minutes.
This severe weather pattern extends into Sunday, when additional heavy rainfall is possible, raising concerns for further flooding. Residents should closely monitor forecasts through Sunday night as conditions may deteriorate quickly, especially during afternoon and evening hours.
Looking further ahead, scattered showers and thunderstorms continue into early next week, with gradually improving weather by midweek.
5-Day Forecast:
- Saturday (June 14): Heavy rain; high near 87°F.
- Sunday (Father’s Day, June 15): Showers and storms; high around 81°F.
- Monday (June 16): Thunderstorms likely; high 84°F.
- Tuesday (June 17): Chance thunderstorms; high near 84°F.
- Wednesday (June 18): Clearing skies; high around 89°F.
