UPDATE (July 7, 2021 at 12:49 p.m.): Tropical Storm Elsa has made landfall in western Florida. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Va. is predicting that rain should start in the local region on Thursday (July 8) in the morning. Additionally, NWS Wakefield has updated guidance as tornados may occur Thursday afternoon into evening. The update is reflected below. The chart above shows the current threat level as provided by NWS Wakefield.
HAMPTON ROADS — In a briefing released by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Va. on Wednesday, July 7 at 7 a.m., an update was provided as to the latest track and predictions regarding Tropical Storm Elsa.
A Tropical Storm Watch ha been issued for portions of northeastern North Carolina as well as southeast Virginia (to include the Historic Triangle) and the Eastern Shore.
The storm’s current track has it coming across the Hampton Roads region Thursday evening into early Friday morning.
NWS Wakefield states that the threat for impacts per heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornados continues to increase across the eastern portion of the potentially effected area.
Tropical storm conditions are predicted to start as early as the afternoon of Thursday, July 7 and linger through early Friday morning. However, NWS Wakefield is predicting that tropical storm force winds will arrive in Hampton Roads Thursday evening.
Potential impacts include:
- Flooding rain: NWS Wakefield predicts that 1-3″ of rain (with higher amounts for lower lying areas) could lead to scattered instances of flash and urban flooding. The timeframe for this is Thursday, July 8 into that night. This will impact all of the Hampton Roads region, with 2-3″ predicted for the Historic Triangle.
- Tornado: Isolated tornados could occur. This is predicted for Thursday evening into that night. UPDATE: As of 12:52 p.m. on July 7, NWS Wakefield states that this condition could occur Thursday afternoon into night.
- Wind: Gusts as high as 45-55 mph across portions of the region are predicted for the region. This could scatter outdoor furniture/items left outside and blow down tree limbs. Residents should prepare for possible power outages near and along the coasts of southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. This is predicted to occur Thursday evening into the night.
- Storm Surge and Possible Inundation: Minor tidal flooding is possible due to persistent strong southerly winds. This is predicted to impact the northern shores of the Albemarle and Currituck sounds as well as the bay side of the lower Eastern Shore. This is predicted to occur between Thursday afternoon into the night.
- 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 Thursday into 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.