While Hurricane Irma has devastated the Caribbean and forecasters are indicating Florida is the storm’s next stop, Virginia’s forecast is looking better.
The storm is now predicted to avoid most of Virginia as it continues to move further west than previously expected, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast maps released Friday.
Mike Rusnak, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Va., said he was skeptical there will be very much foul weather in Hampton Roads.
“It’s going to have less of an impact on Virginia,” Rusnak said of the storm. “Matter of fact, as of last night, we’re not at risk of any tropical storm force winds.”
On Friday, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, which will allow rescue and recovery teams, including the Virginia National Guard, to mobilize easier, according to a governor’s office news release.
The state of emergency helps the commonwealth prepare for potential in-state emergencies, as well as help other surrounding states, the release said.
Rusnak didn’t rule out the chance for rain showers and wind on Monday and Tuesday, but said the weather would be mild compared to places in the hurricane’s direct path.
Hampton Roads may get an inch of rain, and up to 35-mph winds, Rusnak added.
“Right now, it doesn’t look to be more than an inch of rain,” Rusnak said. “The effects of this aren’t really going to be that bad for eastern Virginia.”
The NOAA is warning residents from Florida to Tennessee to prepare for the hurricane as forecasters are unsure when the storm will make its turn to the west.
“The precise moment” when the storm will turn west is “still uncertain,” according to the NOAA.
The NOAA has downgraded Irma from a Category 5 to a Category 4 hurricane.
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