UPDATE (July 6, 2021 at 8:08 p.m.): In a 5 p.m. released issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Va., there is an increased risk of riptide currents. Additionally, the threat of minor impacts in the form of heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated tornados is increasing throughout the southeast portions of the area. At this time there are not any watches or warnings in effect. However, NWS Wakefield emphasizes that this could change as the storm draws closer to Hampton Roads.
HAMPTON ROADS — On Tuesday, July 6 at 12:30 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Va. released more information about Tropical Storm Elsa and how it may impact the local community.
Sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, NWS is predicting that Elsa will make landfall on the west coast of Florida.
From there, the storm is expected to track northeast through northern Florida and then near the Georgia and South Carolina coasts Wednesday through late that night. It is then expected to track across northeastern North Carolina and then southeast Virginia (including Hampton Roads) on Thursday.
At this time, NWS Wakefield is expecting Elsa to weaken to a tropical depression by Thursday morning but strengthening back to a weak tropical storm potentially over the Hampton Roads region Thursday evening before moving offshore.
NWS states that there is a potential for heavy rainfall and gusty winds of tropical storm strength for the southeastern portions of Hampton Roads. There will be increased rip currents for all areas for the remainder of this week. Also, NWS cannot rule out the possibility of one or two tornados along and east of the storm’s track.
Impacts expected in Hampton Roads are as follows:
- Flooding rain which could lead to scattered instances of flash and urban flooding in southeast Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. This is expected to last throughout Thursday.
- Wind gusts at tropical storm strength which could scatter outdoor furniture/items and blow down tree limbs. There could also be isolated power outages as a result. This will be primarily along the coasts of southeast Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. This is expected to occur Thursday afternoon into that evening.
- Minor storm surge/inundation (flooding) on southside Hampton Roads due to possible persistent strong southerly winds. This will primarily occur on the northern shore of the Albemarle and Currituck sounds. This is expected to be Thursday afternoon through evening.
- Strong winds which will create large waves, causing hazardous marine conditions. This includes all waters, with a greater emphasis on coastal. Lower Chesapeake Bay and Currituck sound are also at risk. This is expected to take place Thursday through Friday.
- Isolated tornados may occur in southeast Virginia and northeastern North Carolina Thursday into Thursday night.
The rainfall and flash flooding are of greatest concern as of right now.
NWS Wakefield states that tropical storm conditions could begin as early as Thursday morning and linger through that night.
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.