Hampton Roads could see worst coastal flooding since 2015, weather service says
With the remnants of Tropical Storm Sally passing over Hampton Roads, the region is about to see some of the worst coastal flooding since Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015, the National Weather Service said Thursday morning.
That’s due to a likely prolonged period of moderate to major tidal flooding over the weekend, according to an email from Jeff Orrock, head meteorologist with the service’s Wakefield office.
“Bottom line this looks to be a significant tidal event,” he wrote.
The long flooding period will start Saturday and last through at least Monday, Orrock said.
It’s “potentially the worst and longest duration tidal flood event” since Joaquin passed offshore.
We could see 12- to 15-foot seas and 2 to 3 feet of water inundating the area.
The weather service defines moderate coastal flooding as causing an elevated threat of property damage, and major as flooding numerous roads and buildings with a significant threat to life and property.
Both can also cause severe beach erosion. Coastal erosion is expected to peak Sunday and Monday.
More immediately, the service is warning of potential flash flooding in Hampton Roads Thursday afternoon into Friday. Three to 6 inches of rain are possible.
Ahead of the anticipated flooding, Norfolk city officials sent out a news release saying crews are cleaning storm drains and ditches to ease flooding and monitoring pump stations and flood gates.
The city’s asking residents to clean their curbs, gutters and ditches of debris and secure any loose outdoor items.
Norfolk will also open city garages for people to move their cars to higher ground, beginning 5 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Wednesday. They include: York Street Garage at 215 West York St., Bank Street Garage at 441 Bank St. and St Paul’s Lot at 521 Wood St.
Old Dominion University is also opening all of its garages at 2 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Wednesday.
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