As the country watches Hurricane Harvey batter southeastern Texas, Hampton Roads residents should prepare for heavy wind and rain here in Virginia.
A tropical cyclone is making its way up the East Coast and could bring rain, coastal flooding, and heavy winds to the Historic Triangle Monday evening through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Between an inch and two inches of rain is forecasted to fall in Greater Williamsburg by Tuesday evening.
“The rain could start late this evening into the overnight and continue through tomorrow,” NWS Meteorologist Mike Dutter said Monday. “The winds won’t really start picking up until late tomorrow morning. The worst of it will be tomorrow afternoon.”
The forecast indicates the heaviest rains will likely take place in the overnight hours into Tuesday morning.
Dutter said the rains could lead to moderate flooding along the York and James rivers, and in low-lying areas. He said the worst of the rain and wind would occur closer to the ocean, with stronger winds and flooding impacting the coast.
While wind gusts could reach up to 40 miles per hour in the Historic Triangle, Dutter said he doubts trees or power lines would be toppled. Tree branches may be brought down by the storm.
The cyclone is projected to veer northeast into the Atlantic Ocean overnight Tuesday.
“The good news is that it will be moving at a good clip,” Dutter said. “I’d say tomorrow night the winds and the rain will be subsiding. Wednesday should be a pleasant day.”
