NORFOLK, Va. — The 13News Now Weather Team has declared Thursday and Friday as "Weather Alert Days," due to expected heavy rain, gusty winds and tidal flooding.
After almost two months without a good, soaking rainfall, the Hampton Roads region is about to get one.
As an upper-level low sparks widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, coastal areas in Virginia and North Carolina — including Tidewater, the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks — will see an increased risk of coastal flooding.
When:
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for early Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday. A Coastal Flood Warning is in place from 1 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday.
Look for showers to develop from west to east across the area Thursday afternoon, starting on the lighter side and becoming moderate to heavy at times past sunset. A wet Thursday evening commute can be expected across most of Hampton Roads.
The heaviest of the rain looks to move through overnight Thursday into early Friday morning, perhaps lending more impact to the Friday morning commute.
Impact:
Rainfall totals are expected to be in the range of 1-2" across most of the area, with higher totals possible locally.
Flash flooding concerns are low, since recent dry conditions will allow for the ground to absorb the rain in most areas.
Winds will be a minor issue, out of the east-northeast with gusts approaching 40 mph, especially at the coast.
Tidal flooding is expected for the high-tide cycles on Thursday and Friday. Current forecasts call for moderate tidal flooding during the Friday morning high tide.
Need:
Be alert for road closures and traffic delays, and plan extra time for your Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
Be aware of the possibility for property damage to low-lying areas and shoreline erosion.
Stay with 13News Now for updates as we track the incoming rain.
