Coastal Storm Brings Flooding and High Winds to North Carolina and Virginia
A significant coastal storm is impacting portions of North Carolina and Virginia, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and concerns of flooding and dangerous surf. The storm is expected to linger for several days, causing unsettled weather throughout the mid-Atlantic region as summer ends.
Forecast and Potential Impacts
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the coastal low is slowly drifting north and will deliver multiple rounds of rain. The exact track is uncertain, but widespread heavy rain is expected. Some forecast models suggest the storm could reach as far north as Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, while others keep it closer to the coast.
Rainfall totals of 2-3 inches are likely, with some areas potentially receiving 3-5 inches or even up to 6 inches. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 1-2 flood risk across eastern North Carolina and Southeast Virginia. Flash flooding is a major concern, particularly on Monday and Tuesday.
Coastal Flooding and High Winds
The storm is also causing coastal flooding as winds push water onshore. FOX Weather Meteorologist Haley Meier noted the "compound effect" of winds and high pressure exacerbating the situation in areas like Virginia, the Carolinas, and the Outer Banks. Coastal Flood Advisories, Watches, Wind Advisories, and High Surf Advisories are in effect.
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are possible, and waves between 6 and 10 feet are expected to crash onshore. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is reporting from Nags Head, North Carolina, experiencing relentless winds. In addition to wind and rain, life-threatening rip currents are also present along the East Coast.
Expert Analysis
While conditions may feel tropical, this is not expected to become a tropical storm. The FOX Forecast Center explains that the storm is forming due to the clash between warm air offshore and cooler air moving in from the land, leading to a nor'easter-type system. This is also the finding of the **WITN Weather Team** who have issued a *First Alert Weather Day* for Monday and Tuesday. The low pressure is not being classified as a tropical system because the waters of the Atlantic are too cool.
Rainfall Projections and Localized Impacts
Much of northeast North Carolina and southeast Virginia can expect 2 to 4 inches of rain through the event, with some isolated areas potentially surpassing 6 inches. Coastal flooding is expected to reach moderate to perhaps major levels around southeast Virginia. **WITN Weather** forecasts localized rainfall exceeding 3 inches.
Coastal flooding is expected to be focused near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, with potential for localized major flooding. Duck, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks, is already experiencing minor flooding. High surf advisories are in effect from the Outer Banks to southeast Virginia, with waves as high as 6 to 10 feet anticipated.
Wind Advisory for the Outer Banks
Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are probable on the coast and immediately inland, from North Carolina to New Jersey. Coastal winds could gust from 35-45 mph. WITN Weather reports. A wind advisory is in effect for portions of the Outer Banks. A minor potential exists for tree damage and scattered power outages, especially near the coast. Inland, gusts in the 30-plus mph range might impinge on the Interstate 95 corridor from Richmond to D.C. and Baltimore on Tuesday.
Looking Ahead
The storm system is expected to move northeast and exit the Mid-Atlantic around Thursday, but could continue to impact conditions on the coast through Friday.
