Heavy rain and strong winds are forecasted for Tuesday for Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina, signaling risks for power outages, tidal flooding and even tornadoes.
The National Weather Service at Wakefield issued a high wind warning and flood watch for the Hampton Roads region and a storm warning for coastal waters.
A storm system approaching from the southwest will impact northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia, according to a weather briefing Monday evening. Rain will begin in the west Tuesday morning, and exit the region Tuesday night.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency ahead of the upcoming storm.
The greatest risk comes from potentially damaging wind gusts. Wind will increase throughout the day, peaking in the evening.
“It’s looking like anywhere from 30 to 40 mph over the Piedmont, and then strongest from the I-95 corridor to the coast, and then definitely very strongest along the coast, where we could see 50 to 60, and potentially in excess of 60 mph wind gusts,” said Andrew Zimmerman, lead forecaster at the National Weather Service office in Wakefield, in a weather briefing Monday.
Gusts up to 56 mph were forecasted for Norfolk. Tuesday’s high temperature is forecasted at 64 degrees, and its low will be 38 degrees.
North Carolina officials warn the high winds and saturated soils may lead to downed trees and power lines, potentially causing widespread power outages.
“The severe weather threat has increased with numerous severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and tornadoes possible Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, especially in the eastern half of the state,” according to a release from Gov. Cooper’s office.
Hampton Roads Transit temporarily suspended service for the Elizabeth River Ferry starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday and warned light rail service may be suspended due to wind and flooding. Bus delays are possible as well.
Hampton City Schools has not canceled after-school activities, but encouraged families to plan for the possibility of cancellations, according to an alert sent to the school community.
Check back for updated information about cancellations.
Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]
