NORFOLK, Va. — The 13News Now Weather Team has declared a Weather Alert Day for Friday as heavy, slow-moving downpours bring flooding threats to the Hampton Roads region.
Follow 13News Now's coverage as we track watches, warnings and other weather impacts on southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina:
6:30 p.m. — Flood Warnings southside
More Flash Flood Warnings have transitioned to Flood Warnings, this time for Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
The Flood Warnings will remain in effect until 9:15 p.m.
5:50 p.m. — Flood Warnings for the peninsula
Flash Flood Warnings have been replaced with Flood Warnings for Mathews, southeastern Middlesex, Gloucester, James City, and York counties, as well as the cities of Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson.
The Flood Warning is in place until 8:45 p.m. Friday. Impacts include imminent and ongoing flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Between 1.3 and 3 inches of rain has fallen, and forecasters said another half-inch to 1 inch of rain is still possible tonight.
5:15 p.m. — Flash Flood Warnings extend to Hampton Roads
Flash Flood Warnings have now been issued fro Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk until 6:45 p.m. Friday.
4:40 p.m. — Busch Gardens closing early
Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced it was closing early Friday at 5 p.m., due to the inclement weather.
The theme park said it would reopen Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m.
12:45 p.m. — Additional flash flood warnings
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Williamsburg and James City County until 3:30 p.m., as well as flash flood warnings for Southampton, Surry, and Sussex counties until 4 p.m.
10:15 a.m. — Flash flood warning in parts of Virginia, North Carolina
Event cancelations across Hampton Roads
50 Fest Celebration in Suffolk
The 50 Fest Celebration event was set for Saturday at 5 p.m., but Suffolk Parks & Recreation canceled the event due to the inclement weather.
The event has been rescheduled to Aug. 3 at 5 p.m.
TGIF Summer Concert Series in Suffolk
The concert scheduled for Friday has been canceled.
City officials said the series will continue with four more concerts at Bennett’s Creek Park:
- The Deloreans on July 26
- Roberta Lea on Aug. 2
- Slap Nation on Aug. 9
- Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos on Aug. 16
WHEN
Through Friday night.
A stalled frontal boundary will give us numerous showers and thunderstorms throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Shower and thunderstorm chances will be highest during the daytime hours, gradually diminishing on Friday evening giving way to a mostly cloud Friday night but a chance to see a shower or two. Once we get into Saturday morning, the rain returns lasting throughout the afternoon before we start to clear out late Saturday night.
These storms will likely be slow-moving, and combined with high humidity, could lead to heavy downpours and an increased threat of flooding.
IMPACT
Runoff from heavy rain may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, where slow-moving storms could overwhelm storm drains.
Throughout Thursday, we saw areas around Norfolk picking up anywhere from 1-3 inches of rain in some areas. The bullseye for Thursday afternoon rain totals were areas in North Carolina in Gates County, where they saw accumulations of 10-12" in some areas. As we head into Friday and Saturday, we can pick up an additional 1-2" and even up to 2-4" in some areas.
Because of the risk of heavy downpours and a threat of localized flooding, 13News Now has declared Friday, July 12, a Weather Alert Day.
NEED
It's important to have a way to receive alerts if a flood warning is issued for your area. If you see any water over roadways, never test out the depth with your vehicle and turn around to find a different route.
