Coastal Flood Advisories Issued for Virginia and North Carolina as Low Pressure Brings Heavy Rain and Rough Surf
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A strong coastal low-pressure system churning off the Southeast coast is expected to bring flooding, heavy rain, and dangerous surf to communities along Virginia and North Carolina’s shoreline through Tuesday.
Weather Impact Alert in Effect
The 13News Now Weather Team issued a Weather Impact Alert for Monday night into Tuesday, September 15–16, as the storm system drifts west while interacting with high pressure to the north.
Northeast winds are forecast at 15–30 mph with gusts up to 35–40 mph, especially along the coast.
Flooding and Coastal Impacts
The strong onshore winds are expected to push water inland. Tide levels at Sewells Point (Norfolk) may reach minor to near-moderate flood thresholds late Monday into Tuesday.
Shallow flooding — up to one foot above ground — could affect:
- Low-lying roads
- Parking lots
- Parks near the shoreline
In addition, breaking waves of 7–10 feet will create rough surf, beach erosion, and a high risk of rip currents.
Rainfall Totals
The system could bring 2–3 inches of rain through Tuesday, with locally higher amounts possible. Ponding on roads and localized flooding in poor-drainage areas are likely.
Advisory Areas
- Virginia: Advisories cover Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the Peninsula through Tuesday. They extend into the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck into late Tuesday night.
- North Carolina: Northern Outer Banks, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island remain under advisories through Tuesday evening. Currituck County’s advisory continues through late Monday.
Forecast Summary
- When: Monday late afternoon through Tuesday
- Impacts: Gusty winds, heavy rain, flooding, rip currents, dangerous surf
- Safety Tip: Avoid driving through flooded areas and stay out of the surf until conditions improve
Have you seen flooding or dangerous surf along the Outer Banks or Hampton Roads during past coastal storms? Share your story with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
