The 13News Now Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Monday evening and Tuesday, September 15–16, as a coastal low-pressure system moves nearer to the area, causing broad effects along the shores of Virginia and North Carolina.
FULL FORECAST
The Latest updates
5:46 PM — The City of Virginia Beach releases a message for its residents
Here is the City’s statement in its entirety:
Our neighborhood is facing a significant amount of rain, exceeding the initial predictions. In the last twelve hours, our region has accumulated approximately 4–6 inches of precipitation. At this moment, thousands of residents are without electricity. We recognize the frustration and difficulties that this rainfall-related flooding has brought to our community, particularly in the lower-lying areas.
For instance, the newly set up Windsor Woods Tide Gate now features five temporary pumps designed to assist in reducing the water level of Lake Windsor. Nevertheless, during intense rainfall, these pumps lack sufficient capacity. The City is working on a project to substitute these temporary pumps with a permanent, more powerful pump station that will offer enhanced protection during future storms.
As we keep dealing with this rainfall situation, what we ask residents to do at this time is to contact Virginia Beach non-emergency services at 311 if you notice a fallen tree blocking a road and report any power outages directly to Dominion Energy. We aim to ensure our public safety teams can reach those in need during urgent circumstances.
5:25 p.m. — 15,550 people without electricity across Hampton Roads
As per Dominion Energy, more than 15,000 customers have lost electricity due to the ongoing storms.
Many of them are located in Virginia Beach, where 11,500 customers have lost power. Norfolk is experiencing more than 2,500 outages, while Portsmouth and Suffolk each have over 500.
5:20 PM — Structure collapses in Buxton
A house collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina, on Tuesday, making it the 12th residence in the last five years to achieve this on the Outer Banks.
Authorities from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore stated that the residence located at 46227 Tower Circle Road was empty when the collapse occurred. They are advising tourists to steer clear of the beach and refrain from entering the water near Buxton to prevent encountering the debris.
5:15 PM — Flood alert issued for Northampton County
A warning for flash flooding has been issued in Northampton County until 8:15 PM.
5:00 PM — The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry alerts passengers that they might face service interruptions
As per VDOT, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry might be affected this evening due to strong winds and high water levels, potentially leading to “periodic service disruptions.”
At this moment, the greatest likelihood of service disruptions is expected between 6:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. tonight,” VDOT stated. “Projected times are derived from current tide forecasts and may be adjusted.
Alternative paths they offered include the following:
Alternative path to Jamestown from the Surry pickup point:
- Take Highway 10 to Highway 258 toward the James River Bridge (Highway 17);
- Follow directions to I-64 west.
- Take the exit for Route 199 west (exit 242A) heading towards Williamsburg; and
- Head to Route 31 (Jamestown Road).
Alternative path from the Jamestown pickup point to Surry:
- Follow Route 31 toward Route 199. Turn right onto Route 199;
- Merge onto I-64 east and exit at the James River Bridge;
- After crossing the James River Bridge, turn right onto Route 258, then make another right onto Route 10; and
- Continue on Route 10 until you reach the traffic light in Surry town.
You can check the ferry’s status by dialing 800-VA-FERRY.
4:52 PM — Severe Thunderstorm Advisory issued for Northampton County
A significant thunderstorm alert for Northampton County has been released by the National Weather Service.
The alert is in effect until 5:30 p.m. and affects areas including Nassawadox, Capeville, Kiptopeke State Park, Machipongo, and Eastville.
Severe thunderstorms are expected, featuring wind speeds as high as 60 mph.
4:45 p.m. — Extended Flash Flood Warning affecting certain areas of Hampton Roads
A flood alert is in effect for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake until 6:45 p.m.
3:30 PM — Monticello Avenue in Norfolk is closed because of rising water levels
The underpass on Monticello Avenue in Norfolk is currently closed indefinitely because of flooding. Motorists are advised to take Granby Street or Colley Avenue instead.
2:00 PM — Educational institutions affected by the weather
Several Hampton Roads schools are experiencing disruptions to after-school activities due to the severe weather on Tuesday. Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Hampton City Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, Suffolk Public Schools, and St. Gregory the Great School have all called off their afternoon events.Click this link for the most recent closures and interruptions.
12:40 PM — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for certain areas of Hampton Roads
A flood alert is in effect for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake until 4:45 p.m.
12:00 PM — Continuous rain, high waters leave their traces throughout Hampton Roads
High tides combined with continuous rainfall are leading to flooding in Hampton Roads.
In the Larchmont area of Norfolk, along Surrey Crescent, water has overflowed onto driveways and walkways. A local resident, who has resided on the street for almost 60 years, mentioned that flooding is a common occurrence during intense weather conditions.
“You need to keep an eye on the tide along this street, as once it reaches a certain level, I won’t be able to leave my driveway and you’ll be unable to reach the other side of the road,” she explained.
Other parts of Hampton Roads also saw significant rain, keeping drivers cautious. Waves are rolling in along the Virginia Beach coastline, and puddles have formed in areas where storm drains were overwhelmed.
Experts are advising drivers to be careful. Slipping on wet surfaces is a danger when roads are damp, and additional water on the road leads to increased stopping times. Drivers should maintain a greater distance from other vehicles and avoid driving through flooded zones, as even six inches of water can cause a vehicle to stop.
11:40 AM — Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel experiencing wind-related restrictions
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has implemented Level 1 wind restrictions on Tuesday, featuring a 45 mph speed limit and prohibiting overtaking.Check the CBBT website for additional information.
11 AM — Thousands in Hampton Roads, NE North Carolina, experience a power outage
Storms passing through Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina caused power outages for thousands.of Dominion Energy clients on Tuesday morning.
By 11 a.m., approximately 1,762 customers of Dominion Energy are still without electricity in southeastern Virginia, with 1,389 in Portsmouth, 147 in Suffolk, and 123 in Virginia Beach.
9:20 a.m. — NC-12 is open again, although NCDOT advises caution
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that NC12 at the northern part of Ocracoke Island was reopened at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, with ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke resuming. Drivers are advised to be cautious, as there may still be sand and water on the road.
7:50 AM — A Flash Flood Alert has been issued for certain areas in Hampton Roads
A warning for flash flooding has been issued for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake, effective until 11:45 a.m.
Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. — Tuesday morning’s high tide has already arrived and passed for Sewells Point and Hampton Roads.
The highest tide level recorded this morning was 4.4 feet above the average low water mark. This was approximately 2.4 inches less than what was predicted for the tide gauge. The following high tide is expected to occur late today at 5:52pm. The forecast predicts “moderate” tidal flooding, with a projected height of 5.6 feet.
4:30 p.m. — Poquoson City Schools are on a half-day schedule on Tuesday
Because of flood risks, Poquoson City Schools have announced that Tuesday will be a half-day.
Here are the half-day dismissal schedules for each school:
- Poquoson Elementary School – 12:20 PM
- Poquoson Elementary School – 11:40 AM
- Poquoson Middle School – 11:10 AM
- Poquoson High School – 10:40 AM
Get additional details at thePoquoson City Schools website.
4:00 PM — Footage from The Hague
Meteorologist Evan Stewart traveled to the Hague in Norfolk using the 13News Now Weather Impact Interceptor to examine the effects of flooding.
Watch his report:
3:50 PM — Section of NC-12 closed because of the weather conditions
Authorities have shut down a section of NC-12 at the northern part of Ocracoke Island due to worsening conditions. The closure extends from the ferry terminal to the National Park Service Pony Pens. Workers will reassess the road early Tuesday morning.
2:20 PM — A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Hampton Roads
The National Weather Service has released a Coastal Flood Warning for sections of Hampton Roads, such as Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk, James City, Isle of Wight, and Surry. Water levels of 1 to 2 feet above ground are anticipated in low-lying areas close to coasts and tidal waterways, which could lead to road closures and damage to properties.
A warning is in place from Monday afternoon until late Tuesday night, with certain alerts extending into early Wednesday. People living close to the water are advised to be cautious.
1:30 p.m. — A flood warning has been issued for certain areas in Virginia and North Carolina.
A flood warning is active from Monday afternoon until late Tuesday night in sections of northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia, such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, and nearby regions.
The National Weather Service alerts that significant rain from a coastal low may cause flooding in rivers, streams, areas that are below ground level, and city regions. People are encouraged to remain watchful and refrain from driving across flooded roads.
More info: NWS Flood Safety
1:15 p.m. — Strong wind bursts may affect the James River Bridge
Officials in Newport News are advising residents to remain vigilant as intense rainfall, along with tidal flooding, may affect roads and lead to short-term closures.
On Tuesday morning, the James River Bridge could face wind gusts as high as 35 mph, while slight to moderate tidal flooding is anticipated during the evening high tide on Tuesday.
12:45 PM — Norfolk gets ready for high tide flooding, provides free parking
Authorities in Norfolk are advising residents that tidal flooding is anticipated in low-lying regions from tonight until Tuesday evening.
To assist, the York Street Garage located at 215 W. York St. will offer free access starting today at 3 p.m. and will continue to be available until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17.
Citizens are encouraged to relocate their vehicles from areas susceptible to flooding prior to high tide and to utilize navigation applications such as WAZE to bypass flooded streets.
10:45 AM — Authorities at Cape Hatteras issue a caution
Those visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore are being advised to exercise increased caution at the beach until Tuesday as a low-pressure area passes along the coastline. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City indicate that the system may result in significant rainfall, powerful winds, slight flooding, and hazardous wave conditions on both the ocean and sound.
The alert follows ongoing damage to oceanfront homes in Rodanthe and Buxton due to recent storms. Some compromised buildings are still in danger of collapsing, and park authorities are advising individuals to avoid the beaches near the northern parts of both towns.
Swimming is also not recommended until the situation improves, and those operating off-road vehicles along coastal paths are urged to be cautious of erosion and seawater flooding.
What to expect
A low-pressure zone near the Southeast coastline is set to travel westward as it interacts with high pressure located to the north. This difference in pressure is predicted to create strong northeast winds ranging from 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, particularly along the shoreline.
Onshore winds will cause water to move toward the land, with tide levels at Sewells Point (Norfolk) predicted to approach minor to nearly moderate flood levels late Monday and throughout Tuesday. Minor coastal flooding could occur during Monday’s high tide in the late afternoon and again during Tuesday’s morning tide, with elevated levels anticipated in the evening of Tuesday.
Flooding that reaches as high as a foot above the ground may impact roads, parking lots, parks, and other low-lying regions close to the coast. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about hazardous swimming and surfing conditions, with waves measuring 7–10 feet causing turbulent surf, beach erosion, and a significant danger of rip currents.
Rainfall & flooding
Intense rain will increase coastal effects. Rainfall of 2 to 3 inches is anticipated by Tuesday, with some areas possibly receiving more. Meteorologists caution about water accumulation on roads and localized flooding in regions with inadequate drainage.
Advisories in effect
Coastal flood alerts are in effect throughout Hampton Roads, covering Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the Peninsula, until Tuesday. These warnings will continue into late Tuesday night for areas in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, such as Gloucester, Mathews, York, and nearby regions.
A flood warning is also active because of the expected heavy rain today.
A warning has been issued for seaside regions due to strong winds near the coastline that may surpass 40 mph today.
- When– From late Monday afternoon until Tuesday
- Impacts– Strong winds, intense rainfall, towering waves, hazardous undertows, and shoreline flooding
- Needs– Keep yourself informed about the weather prediction – Maintain awareness of the anticipated conditions – Be updated on the expected weather – Remain informed regarding the forecast – Stay knowledgeable about the projected weather conditions
