Virginia Beach Flooding Worsens With 50 MPH Gusts

Virginia Beach, Virginia – Tidal flooding and northeast wind gusts up to 50 mph threaten coastal roads Wednesday as water levels continue rising.

According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, moderate tidal flooding was occurring Wednesday morning, with widespread moderate to major flooding possible beginning with the evening high tide cycle. Coastal flooding is expected to persist through additional high tide cycles.

Persistent northeast winds are driving water toward the coast. Gusts up to 50 mph are likely along the Atlantic shoreline, including Virginia Beach, Ocean City and the Outer Banks.

A Wind Advisory is in effect Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. The strong onshore flow will also create dangerous surf and could cause beach erosion.

Around Hampton Roads and other vulnerable coastal locations, the greatest flooding impacts will generally occur near high tide. The Weather Service defines moderate flooding as roughly 1 to 2 feet of inundation in vulnerable areas, while major flooding can bring 2 to 3 feet or more.

Drivers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton and other flood-prone coastal communities should avoid roads covered by water and account for changing conditions around high tides. Residents near the shoreline should also stay away from dangerous surf.

Rain and cooler temperatures accompany the coastal storm. Highs Wednesday range from the lower 60s west of Interstate 95 to the low and mid-70s closer to the coast.

Strong northeast winds and coastal flooding remain the primary concerns through Thursday. Water levels will stay elevated during upcoming high tide cycles, while temperatures gradually warm toward the end of the week.