UPDATE (July 8, 2021 at 1:50 p.m.): A TORNADO WATCH has been issued for the following local areas: Gloucester County, James City County, City of Poquoson, City of Williamsburg, and York County. The watch is supposed to expire at 11:00 p.m. For a full list of the areas included in this watch, click here.
HAMPTON ROADS — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Va. has issued the latest information regarding Tropical Storm Elsa and how it is predicted to impact the Hampton Roads region.
Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to travel across North Carolina and arrive in southeast Virginia this evening and into early Friday morning. Rain will begin this afternoon and is predicted to last through early Friday morning.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for portions of northeastern North Carolina, southeast and eastern Virginia.
It is important that there are hazardous marine conditions as a result of what are expected to be strong winds and 6-9 foot seas. Also, there is the expectation of scattered instances and flooding across much of the Hampton Roads area.
Residents should expect the following impacts:
- Flooding rain: NWS Wakefield predicts that 2-4 inches of rain (with higher amounts for lower lying areas) could lead to scattered instances of flash and urban flooding. This is expected to impact this afternoon into tonight.
- Tornado: A few tornados may occur. This is predicted for this afternoon into tonight.
- Wind: Gusts of tropical storm force across portions of the region are predicted for the region. This could scatter outdoor furniture/items left outside and blow down tree limbs. Isolated power outages are possible. This is predicted to occur this afternoon into tonight.
- Storm Surge and Possible Inundation: Minor tidal flooding is possible due to persistent strong southerly winds. This is predicted to occur between this afternoon into tonight.
- Marine: Strong winds and large waves could cause hazardous marine conditions. All waters in the local region are predicted to be impacted, particularly those across coastal waters, lower Chesapeake Bay, and the Currituck Sound. This is predicted to occur this afternoon into tonight.
The storm is expected to move northeast of the Delmarva coast on Friday morning.
For more information regarding Tropical Storm Elsa, visit the website for the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center or the for Tropical Page for the National Weather Service.
WYDaily will continue to keep you informed on all storm-related news and how it could potentially impact the local region.