Norfolk, Virginia – Coastal Virginia is under a tropical storm warning on Thursday as high winds and dangerous seas build across the region, posing a threat to mariners’ lives.
The National Weather Service in Wakefield reports that north to northeast winds are reaching 30 to 35 knots with gusts up to 45 knots offshore, causing waves as high as 18 feet in the Atlantic.
Inside the Chesapeake Bay, winds of 25 to 30 knots are causing waves of 5 to 8 feet. The lower James River and Currituck Sound are also experiencing gusts around 40 knots and wave heights of 2 to 5 feet.
The storm is expected to make marine travel nearly impossible until Thursday evening, with the risk of capsizing, damaged vessels, and poor visibility.
Coastal communities from Virginia Beach to Chincoteague are bracing for rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and possible beach erosion.
Mariners are advised to stay in port, secure vessels, and avoid travel until conditions improve. Residents along the coast should also be aware of possible flooding along low-lying shorelines as strong onshore winds continue into the evening.
Tropical storm warnings will remain in effect until further notice, with updates expected later today as winds ease overnight.
