Something in the Water early weather forecast: Rain could be a problem

As Virginia Beach plans to welcome about 50,000 guests for the highly anticipated return of Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water music festival, Mother Nature may make an appearance of her own — and dampen the early parts of the weekend.

According to updates from the National Weather Service in Wakefield, early predictions show chances of precipitation could start as early as Wednesday, with a 30% chance of rain in Virginia Beach. Thursday also has a 30% chance, which increases to 50% by Friday. For the rest of the weekend, early forecasts show a 40% chance of precipitation. Predictions from The Weather Channel are showing an 84% chance of rain on Friday, 65% for Saturday and 70% for Sunday, though those could change over the next couple days.

At a public meeting held this month to discuss logistics of the festival weekend, David Topczynski, the city’s emergency management coordinator, said Virginia Beach has improved its messaging capabilities and will send alerts to cellphones in a timely manner. Also, he said meteorologists from the National Weather Service will be in Virginia Beach at the city’s central command post to provide guidance on potential changes.

In 2019, severe weather canceled Friday’s shows at the the massive, star-studded music festival and brought 40-60 mph wind gusts, 1-inch hail and the threat of tornadoes. Trees and utility poles were knocked onto homes and cars as thunder and lightning pounded the resort city late in the afternoon. A portion of ticket sales were refunded, and the rest of the three-day event went on as planned.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com