We’ve all been through a rough few days in Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina.  Thankfully, improvement is in sight for many of us.  However, we will see at least one more round of minor tidal flooding on Sunday morning.  Tides are still running about 2 feet above normal and minor tidal flooding will occur between 6am and 8am.  River flooding will also be an issue along the Blackwater River at Franklin and the Nottoway River at Sebrell.  The Blackwater River is currently at 13 feet and will rise to about 13.5 feet in the next day or so (flood stage is 12 ft).  The Nottoway River is currently at 15.4 feet and will rise to about 17.8 feet over the next few days (flood stage is 16 ft).  Minor tidal flooding is expected at both locations.

For the rest of us, expect gradual clearing from west to east on Sunday.  Be patient for the sunshine.  If the beaches stay socked in with clouds for most of Sunday, sunshine is in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday!  Can’t wait for the sun to return! 

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

This evening’s high tide ran slightly above predicted which makes me think that tides could top 8 feet by Thursday afternoon/evening’s high tide.  During the height of Isabel, the tide was 7.9 feet.  The highest tides for Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina will be between 4pm-7pm Thursday and 4am-7am Friday.  If you live in a low-lying or flood prone area, please move your vehicle to higher ground and do not attempt to drive through water of unknown depth.  If your area flooded during Isabel, chances are it will flood again.  Hopefully you already have a “hurricane kit” in place so you don’t have to run out to the store to get supplies at the last minute.  As of this writing, there are already 8000+ homes without power in Hampton Roads/NE North Carolina due to downed trees.  Winds offshore are already gusting to 56 mph at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and could gust close to or even over 60 mph Thursday and Thursday night.  As more rain continues to fall, the saturated ground will likely lead to more downed trees and power outages.

If you don’t have to travel over the next couple of days, it may be better just to stay home.

Stay safe.

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson

If you thought it was unusually chilly today, you’re exactly right!  A record low maximum of 50 degrees was set at Norfolk International Airport today.  The average high temperature for this time of the year is around 70 degrees.  Expect more of the same on Sunday: clouds, drizzle, a few showers, and highs in the 50s.  It will also be breezy with northerly winds between 10-25 mph.  Strong northerly winds combined with high astronomical tides will lead to minor to moderate tidal flooding during high tide on Sunday.  High tide will be between 8 AM and 10 AM.  Move your car if you live in a low-lying flood prone area.

Stay warm!

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson