NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina could see heavy rain and strong winds as severe weather moves through the region Tuesday afternoon into the evening.
The main threat is wind up to and possibly exceeding 60 miles per hour, which will gradually get stronger as Tuesday progresses. There is also a low tornado risk and two to three inches of rain is expected.
Light to moderate showers will develop across most of Hampton Roads in the middle of the morning, but the threat of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms grows into the evening hours. The timing of the severe weather is between 3 and 10 p.m., but it is subject to change.
RELATED: FORECAST: The calm before the storm
Coming out of the second wettest December on record and a 1-inch rainstorm this past weekend, the threat of flooding is higher with this storm system. The combination of heavy rainfall to an already saturated ground, paired with gusty winds, could also lead to power outages. 1-3" of rain or more is expected across the area.
Most of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore are under a "marginal" risk of severe weather. Northeastern North Carolina and the southern parts of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk will see a higher "slight" risk. The Outer Banks of North Carolina south of the Albemarle Sound will be under an enhanced risk.
This is a highly conditional threat mainly dependent on the growth of instability or lack thereof.
A Flood Watch covering much of the eastern half of Virginia has been issued for flooding caused by excessive rainfall from Tuesday afternoon into the night. People are encouraged to be on the lookout for Flood Warnings. Much of the area is also under a High Wind Warning and Coastal Flood Warning.
In addition, strong southerly winds will push water up the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds, and the northern shores are under a Coastal Flood Warning. Some flooding of Back Bay in Virginia Beach will be possible as well.
