- Rain develops, heavy at times, Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night
- Widespread 2 to 3-inch rainfall amounts, locally 4 inches
- Precipitation could start as freezing rain across the New River/Roanoke Valleys Tuesday AM
- Thunderstorms are possible in Southeastern Virginia on Tuesday afternoon
- Strong winds up to 60 mph along the coast; moderate power outage threat
- Coastal flooding likely
- Widespread 2 to 3-inch rainfall amounts, locally 4 inches
- Precipitation could start as freezing rain across the New River/Roanoke Valleys Tuesday AM
- Thunderstorms are possible in Southeastern Virginia on Tuesday afternoon
- Strong winds up to 60 mph along the coast; moderate power outage threat
- Coastal flooding likely
A strong cold front with an area of low-pressure is expected to move through the Lower-Mid Atlantic Tuesday through Wednesday morning. There will be several hazards from wind, inland flooding, and coastal flooding.
Coastal flooding is LIKELY Tuesday into Wednesday. Moderate to major coastal flooding is expected across portions of the Lower Potomac River (including Colonial Beach) and on the Bay side of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Minor flooding is expected for locations along the Mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Water inundation of 2 feet above ground level can be expected for locations forecast to see moderate to major coastal flooding.
WIND is also going to be a significant issue, which will help to drive in the water onshore from the Bay and Atlantic. Wind gusts 60 mph or higher is possible along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic side of the Eastern Shore, and the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area. Wind gusts elsewhere will range from 40 to 55 mph. The ground is saturated in some locations that have seen a lot of rain from the past few events and downed trees and powerlines are possible.
Rain will arrive across Southwestern Virginia early Tuesday morning. The precipitation may begin as a 2 or 3-hour period of sleet and freezing rain across portions of the valley and locations along the Blue Ridge before changing to rain. Any icing should be minor with temperatures near freezing, then rising into the 30s and 40s by mid to late morning.
Widespread rain, heavy at times, is expected as we head into Tuesday afternoon. There could be some strong thunderstorms across North Carolina that could sneak into Southern Virginia. We will have to watch to see if this is a trend. Gusty winds begin to move in with the rainfall and we will likely see some power outages in the strongest wind gusts.
By Tuesday evening, rain moves out of Southwestern Virginia, but we are still holding on to moderate to heavy rain across much of Virginia and the Lower Mid-Atlantic, as well as strong, gusty winds. Flooding is possible due to 2 to 3 inches of rain, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas, as well as creeks and streams. Thunderstorms in North Carolina may sneak into Southern Virginia along US Highway 58.
Much colder air moves in behind the system Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Winds will still be gusty, along with the threat of coastal flooding. Snow showers are possible in the mountains Tuesday night as temperatures fall below freezing. Some snow accumulation is possible in the mountains.
Tuesday into Tuesday night is going to be a mess, no matter where you are across Virginia. Hazardous travel conditions from wind causing downed trees and powerlines, inland rainfall flooding, and coastal flooding due to strong winds. We will continue to keep you updated on Facebook with more updates throughout the storm.