NORFOLK, Va. — Ophelia has been downgraded to a post-tropical low late Saturday night after making landfall as a tropical storm in North Carolina earlier in the morning.
Just before 8 p.m., the National Hurricane Center downgraded the storm to a tropical depression and lifted the Tropical Storm Warning for Hampton Roads and surrounding areas
Heavy rain, strong winds and urban and tidal flooding pummeled the coastal areas of Virginia and North Carolina Friday evening into Saturday as Tropical Storm Ophelia moved inland Saturday.
Ophelia is continuing north and is expected to move over southeastern Virginia overnight before turning toward the northeast on Sunday, NHC officials said.
13News Now has a team of reporters, photographers and other journalists monitoring the impact the storm is having across the region. We'll be updating this story live with the latest updates and information — follow our coverage below, as well as on-air and on 13NewsNow+, our free streaming app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
11:15 pm — Few power outages remain
Following a busy two days, Dominion Energy has restored power to thousands of customers. The utility company is still dealing with outages in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and the largest one in Portsmouth, affecting 1,725 customers.
11 p.m. — Ophelia downgraded again
The NHC announced Ophelia had been downgraded to a post-tropical low. Although the region has seen the worst of the storm, officials warn there is still a risk of coastal and flash flooding across the mid-Atlantic.
9 p.m. — Roadway conditions remain spotty
VDOT warned drivers of lingering weather impacts, specifically in residual coastal flooding, downed trees and powerlines. Although speed restrictions have been lifted on most bridges and tunnels, the department said there are still speed reductions on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
8 p.m. — Tropical Storm, Storm Surge warnings lifted
Hampton Roads is no longer under a Tropical Storm Warning as of 8 p.m. Saturday. The National Hurricane Center lifted all storm surge warnings and tropical storm warnings in the area.
Coastal flooding warnings and wind advisories are still in effect for the mid-Atlantic, however.
7 p.m. — I-64 Express Lanes reopen
Interstate 64 Express Lanes Reversible Roadway between Interstate 264 and Interstate 564 in Norfolk reopened, according to VDOT.
5:03 p.m. — North Carolina reports 30K power outages across the state
In an evening news release from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, officials said Tropical Storm Ophelia had brought flooding across central and eastern portions of the state, as well as ponding on many roadways.
There were also reports of downed trees impacting roadways and downing some powerlines. As of 5 p.m., the release said there were about 30,000 scattered power outages in those areas, down from more than 50,000 outages Saturday morning.
5 p.m. — Tropical Storm Ophelia crosses into southeastern Virginia
In the Saturday 5 p.m. update, the National Hurricane Center reported that Ophelia had crossed into southeastern Virginia and was about 50 miles south of Richmond. Tropical storm conditions were occurring over the Outer Banks and coastal Mid-Atlantic areas, and heavy rains were happening in more inland areas.
The Tropical Storm Warning has been discontinuted for areas East of Cape Lookout, North Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet. The Storm Surge Warning has been discontinued for areas south of Suffolk, Virginia to Duck, North Carolina.
4:30 p.m. — Areas across Hampton Roads see tidal flooding during Saturday aftnoon high tide
Rain showers and wind gusts of up to 45 mph are expected to continue thorugh the day Saturday. And those winds along with the storm system are expected to drive tide levels up.
Moderate tidal flooding is possible for Hampton Roads Saturday afternoon and early evening, especially for north-facing beaches. Tidal flooding will greatly improve after Saturday evening. What will remain is ponding in areas that don't have the best drainage.
Rain showers continue to move north and will exit the region by later tonight.
3:25 p.m. — Power outages decrease across Hampton Roads
As of 3:25 p.m. Saturday, power outages across the Southeastern Virginia region were way down from earlier in the day, with the majority of remaining outages in Suffolk. Here's a look at power outages in each city:
- Chesapeake 79
- Hampton 111
- Isle Of Wight 19
- James City 5
- Newport News 339
- Norfolk 74
- Poquoson City 19
- Portsmouth 27
- Suffolk 1,085
- Surry 405
- Virginia Beach 343
- Williamsburg 56
- York 11
3:15 p.m. — NPS to reopen Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Sunday
In Saturday afternoon release, the National Parks Service said it would reopen a number of facilities in North Carolina, following impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. Those facilities include Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Wright Brothers National Memorial. However, Cape Point Campground remains closed, as it is flooded, the NPS release said.
2:00 p.m. — Ophelia stubbornly remains at Tropical Storm strength
In the 2 p.m update, the National Weather Service reported that T.S. Ophelia is still In North Carolina, but it's approaching the state line. They have it located about 95 miles due south of Richmond moving almost due north at about 13 mph.
Ophelia currently has winds of 45 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph.
1:12 p.m. — Dominion Energy reports Ophelia had biggest impact on power service in Hampton Roads, Outer Banks
A spokeswoman with Dominion Energy said 67,500 customers in the company's Eastern Region had expereienced power outages since Friday afternoon, with areas in Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth and the Peninsula being the hardest hit.
As of noon Saturday, only 7,600 customers were without power across 208 work locations, and Dominion crews were actively working in those areas to restore service, she said.
12:45 p.m. — Flash Flood Warning issued for several counties west of Hampton Roads
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Brunswick, Southampton, Northampton, Hertford, Bertie, Sussex, Dinwiddie, Greensville Counties, as well as the City of Emporia until 7:00PM Saturday evening.
11:45 a.m. — 5 rescued from sailing vessel near Cape Lookout, North Carolina
5 people were rescued from a sailing vessel near Cape Lookout, North Carolina Friday as Tropical Storm Ophelia moved closer to shore, the Coast Guard said.
The rescue happened within Lookout Bight in Cape Lookout, North Carolina from an anchored 38-foot catamaran named Wanderful Life.
RELATED: 5 rescued from sailing vessel near Cape Lookout, North Carolina during Tropical Storm Ophelia
11:15 a.m. — Virginia Beach Fire Department shares drone video of Oceanfront
The Virginia Beach Fire Department shared a drone video on social media late Saturday afternoon, saying things are looking good other than some sand on the Boardwalk.
11 a.m. — Ophelia maintains tropical storm status
In an 11 a.m. update, the National Hurricane Center said Ophelia has maintained its tropical storm status as it has moved further inland in eastern North Carolina.
The storm's maximum sustained winds are 50 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A Tropical Storm Warning from Cape Lookout to Cape Fear in North Carolina has been discontinued, the National Hurricane Center said. The Storm Surge Warning south of Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina westward along the coast has also been discontinued.
10 a.m. — 13News Now's Craig Moeller gives forecast update, answers questions on Facebook
9:55 a.m. — Blue sky briefly appears at Virginia Beach Oceanfront
We got a brief glimpse of the blue sky at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront as Tropical Storm Ophelia moves further inland toward Hampton Roads Saturday morning.
As of 8 a.m., tropical storm conditions are continuing along the coast and further inland as Ophelia moves over eastern North Carolina. The storm's maximum sustained winds are 65 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
9 a.m. — Virginia National Guard stationed in Hampton Roads
The Virginia National Guard has staged around 35 soldiers in order to support the response to the impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia. The soldiers have tactical trucks capable of driving through high water.
They will remain on duty as long as possible flooding and high winds threaten the region in order to quickly and safely provide capabilities requested in the area.
8:45 a.m. — Ophelia has caused more than 96,000 Dominion power outages in Virginia, North Carolina so far
Tropical Storm Ophelia has caused more than 96,000 power outages in Dominion Energy's Virginia and North Carolina service territory so far.
As of 8 a.m., 14,800 customers are out at 489 work locations across the system. A spokesperson for Dominion Energy said additional outages may occur as the storm moves through.
People are encouraged to report outages to the company using the Dominion Energy mobile app, the company's website or by calling 866-DOM-HELP.
8:15 a.m. — Tornado Warning in northeastern North Carolina expires
A Tornado Warning issued for southeastern Hertford County, southwestern Gates County and northwestern Chowan County expired after 8:15 a.m.
8 a.m. — Jamestown-Scotland Ferry resumes service at reduced capacity
As of Saturday at 8 a.m., operations have resumed at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry after service was suspended at 3:30 a.m. due to high tides.
Service is currently reduced with one ferry departing Surry on the hour and departing Jamestown on the half-hour.
People should plan for possible delays and are encouraged to call the ferry hotline at 1-800-VA-FERRY or visit 511virginia.org for status updates, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said.
8 a.m. — Tropical storm conditions along coast, inland as Ophelia moves over North Carolina
Tropical storm conditions are continuing along the coast and further inland as Tropical Storm Ophelia moves over eastern North Carolina toward Virginia.
As of 8 a.m., the storm's maximum sustained winds are 65 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The Hurricane Watch north of Surf City, North Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet has ended.
7:45 a.m. — Tornado Warning in northeastern North Carolina extended
A Tornado Warning was issued for southeastern Hertford County, southwestern Gates County and northwestern Chowan County until 8:15 a.m.
Around 7:45 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Hobbsville, or near Ryland, moving west at 30 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Gatesville, Gliden, Easons Crossroads, Rays Beach, Sign Pine, Sandy Cross, Carter, Trotville and Buckland are under the warning.
7:35 a.m. — Center of Tropical Storm Ophelia approaches New Bern, North Carolina
The National Weather Service said the center of Ophelia is approaching New Bern, North Carolina and to expect heavy rain and strong wind gusts.
7:25 a.m. — Tornado Warning issued for Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties in North Carolina
A Tornado Warning was issued for Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties in northeastern North Carolina and will last until 7:45 a.m.
The National Weather Service located a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado over Chapanoke, or near Winfall, moving northwest at 35 miles per hour.
7:15 a.m. — No major issues with highways in Hampton Roads, VDOT says
In a phone interview with 13News Now, Nina Ullrich with the Virginia Department of Transportation said the highways are wet but there are no issues with standing water. There are no closures at this time.
7 a.m. — The latest on power outages in Virginia, North Carolina
As of 7 a.m., 8,772 Dominion Energy customers in southeastern Virginia and 902 in northeastern North Carolina are without power.
6:45 a.m. — Live view of Virginia Beach Oceanfront Saturday morning
After Ophelia made landfall Saturday morning, waves are choppy at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Here's a live view:
6:15 a.m. — Ophelia makes landfall in North Carolina
The storm came onto shore at Emerald Isle in North Carolina around 6:15 a.m. with estimated maximum winds of 70 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
5 a.m. — Ophelia close to landfall in North Carolina
According to the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. update, Ophelia is about 25 miles southwest of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and 70 miles east-northeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour.
2 a.m. — Center of Tropical Storm Ophelia just offshore North Carolina, National Hurricane Center reported
The National Hurricane Center reported that Ophelia's center is just off of North Carolina in its 2 a.m. update. It's 55 miles south-southwest of Cape Lookout, and 45 miles east of Cape Fear. The maximum wind speeds were still reported to be 70 mph.
1 a.m. — Power outages continue to rise into early hours of the night
In Dominion Energy's 1 a.m. outage map update, approximately 18,158 power outages have been reported across Coastal Virginia. That number is continuing to grow. As of 1:30 a.m., there were more than 20,000 outages reported across Dominion's Virginia service area.
11 p.m. — Tropical Storm Ophelia maintains wind speed, makes way through North Carolina
In an 11 p.m. update Friday from the National Hurricane Center, Ophelia was found 70 miles away from both Cape Fear and Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The storm is also still maintaining 70 mph wind speeds, as it has since 5 p.m.
10:15 p.m. — Power outages increase across Hampton Roads
Dominion Energy's outage map reported approximately 7,911 outages across Coastal Virginia in its 10:15 p.m. update. The largest volume of reported outages came from Virginia Beach, with 2,907, and York County, with 2,912. As of the same update, there were 12 outages reported in northeast North Carolina.
8 p.m. — Tropical Storm Ophelia maintains 70 mph wind speeds, as water levels rise along NC coast
In an 8 p.m. update Friday from the National Hurricane Center, meteorologists say the storm is about 90 miles south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina and moving toward the coast at 12 mph. The storm's wind strength has stayed at 70 mph over the last three hours, which is just below hurricane force. All weather watches and warnings related to the storm have remained the same since the NHC's 5 p.m. update.
5 p.m. — Tropical Storm Ophelia strengthens to just shy of hurricane force winds
In a 5 p.m. update Friday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a Hurricane Watch for portions of eastern North Carolina just below the Outer Banks. That means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. The state's coast from north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet is under the advisory.
This comes as Tropical Storm Ophelia has strengthened to 70 mph maximum sustained winds, which is just 4 mph under the wind speed of a category one hurricane.
5 p.m. — Dominion crews battle scattered power outages across the region
A Dominion Energy spokeswoman said the company started seeing scattered power outages across the region as wind gusts began increasing around 3:30 p.m. By about 5 p.m., she said, at least 7,700 customers in Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina had been affected but Dominion crews had worked hard to bring that number down to 1,300 active outages.
Dominion has extra resources on hand from peer utility companies, the spokeswoman said, and crews will be working "around the clock" to restore power to customers who experience outages as a result of tropical storm weather conditions.
4:33 p.m. — City, ODU open parking garages to residents
Norfolk has opened two city parking garages to residents who need to move vehicles to higher ground as Tropical Storm Ophelia brings heavy rain, strong winds and tidal flooding to the area: York Street Garage and Brambleton Lot. Both will be open until 9 a.m. Sunday.
ODU has also opened a garage to Norfolk residents until 5 p.m. Sunday, the Constant Center 43rd Street Garage at 1067 W 43rd St.
4:35 p.m. — Elizabeth River Ferry won't operate Saturday
Hampton Roads Transit is suspending Saturday service on the Elizabeth River Ferry in anticipation of tropical storm conditions that could impact safety. Bus and light rail services will continue to operate as usual, but people using those transportation options should expect delays and impromptu detours.
3:30 p.m. — Hampton opens shelter for residents living in low-lying areas
Hampton government officials are encouraging residents living in low-lying areas, such as the city's Zone A, to stay the night somehere on higher ground. For those who don't have a place to stay, the city is opening a shelter at 5 p.m. at Phenix K-8 school at 1061 Big Bethel Road.
The city's parking garage on Settlers Landing Road is also open to anyone who wants to park a car on higher ground.
The city has also issued an emergency declaration similar to Gov. Glenn Youngking's state of emergency announcement earlier today. Both declarations allow government to mobilize extra resources and funding to help deal with the effects of the storm.
Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency. That allows the state to mobilize resources and funding, but it is also a reminder to the public to take the storm seriously. The City of Hampton also issued an emergency declaration.
2:59 p.m. — Jamestown-Scotland Ferry reduces service during storm
The Virginia Department of Transportation has reduced ferry service in Jamestown to one boat due to storm-related high tides. According to a press release, high water caused by higher-than-normal tide levels can create a safety issue with the ferry loading ramps. VDOT says it expects more ferry service disruption through Saturday evening.
2:54 p.m. — Gov. Cooper delcares state of emergency in North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper delcared a state of emergency in North Carolina on Friday in anticipation of impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia. This temporarily waives transportation regulations pertaining to the movement of livestock and agricultural products to help the state's farmers. It also provides transportation waivers that will allow the state to move resources around faster to help with the storm preparation and response.
1:10 p.m. — Youngkin declares state of emergency in Virginia
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon to help the coastal regions deal with expected impacts of Tropical Storm Ophelia, which are expected over the next 48 hours. This will help state government mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts, among other things.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also announced the state's price gouging protections have been enacted, which protect people from paying high prices for necessities during an emergency situation.
12:30 p.m. — Portsmouth opens city parking garages to residents in low-lying areas
The city of Portsmouth had opened the Middle Street, Water Street, and 1st Floor County Street garages for residents to park their vehcles during possible flooding this weekend. Garages will be open starting at noon Friday through Monday, September 25 at 7 a.m. No trailers are permitted, and residnets cannot park in spaces marked Reserved.
12:15 p.m. — Virginia State Police urge drivers to stay home
In a Friday afternoon press release, state police said all available troopers and supervisors will be working through Friday evening and the weekend as Tropical Storme Ophelia moves through Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore and the Middle Peninsula. But VSP is encouraging people to postpone travel and avoid the roads as much as possible to prevent unnecessary traffic crashes on Virginia’s highways.
11:54 a.m. — Tidewater Community College Chesapeake opens parking garage
Friday morning, Tidewater Community College Chesapeake opened up its garage to people in low-lying areas.
11:20 a.m. — ODU adjust Homecoming Weekend plans due to Tropical Storm Ophelia
While the Old Dominion University football game versus Texas A&M-Commerce is still scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the school has cancelled Friday's alumni and friends social and Saturday's homecoming parade. University officials have posted a complete revised schedule on ODU's website here.
10:11 a.m. — Virginia Beach opens parking garages across the city
In Virginia Beach, the city opened up garages for residents to park for free during the storm. They're available on 9th and 31st streets through noon on Sunday. Parking is also available in Town Center at Apex Entertainment, the Westin Hotel, the Armada Hoffler Tower and the Clark Nexsen Tower.